EP3537223B1 - Toner cartridge, toner supplying mechanism and shutter - Google Patents

Toner cartridge, toner supplying mechanism and shutter Download PDF

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Publication number
EP3537223B1
EP3537223B1 EP19164338.6A EP19164338A EP3537223B1 EP 3537223 B1 EP3537223 B1 EP 3537223B1 EP 19164338 A EP19164338 A EP 19164338A EP 3537223 B1 EP3537223 B1 EP 3537223B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
toner cartridge
shutter
opening
toner
container
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Active
Application number
EP19164338.6A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP3537223A1 (en
Inventor
Yosuke Kashiide
Takashi Kimura
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Canon Inc
Original Assignee
Canon Inc
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Canon Inc filed Critical Canon Inc
Priority to EP23200453.1A priority Critical patent/EP4290313A3/en
Priority to EP22152641.1A priority patent/EP4020090B1/en
Publication of EP3537223A1 publication Critical patent/EP3537223A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP3537223B1 publication Critical patent/EP3537223B1/en
Active legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

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Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
    • G03G—ELECTROGRAPHY; ELECTROPHOTOGRAPHY; MAGNETOGRAPHY
    • G03G21/00—Arrangements not provided for by groups G03G13/00 - G03G19/00, e.g. cleaning, elimination of residual charge
    • G03G21/16—Mechanical means for facilitating the maintenance of the apparatus, e.g. modular arrangements
    • G03G21/1642—Mechanical means for facilitating the maintenance of the apparatus, e.g. modular arrangements for connecting the different parts of the apparatus
    • G03G21/1647—Mechanical connection means
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
    • G03G—ELECTROGRAPHY; ELECTROPHOTOGRAPHY; MAGNETOGRAPHY
    • G03G15/00—Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern
    • G03G15/06—Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern for developing
    • G03G15/08—Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern for developing using a solid developer, e.g. powder developer
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
    • G03G—ELECTROGRAPHY; ELECTROPHOTOGRAPHY; MAGNETOGRAPHY
    • G03G15/00—Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern
    • G03G15/06—Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern for developing
    • G03G15/08—Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern for developing using a solid developer, e.g. powder developer
    • G03G15/0822—Arrangements for preparing, mixing, supplying or dispensing developer
    • G03G15/0865—Arrangements for supplying new developer
    • G03G15/0867—Arrangements for supplying new developer cylindrical developer cartridges, e.g. toner bottles for the developer replenishing opening
    • G03G15/087—Developer cartridges having a longitudinal rotational axis, around which at least one part is rotated when mounting or using the cartridge
    • G03G15/0872—Developer cartridges having a longitudinal rotational axis, around which at least one part is rotated when mounting or using the cartridge the developer cartridges being generally horizontally mounted parallel to its longitudinal rotational axis
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
    • G03G—ELECTROGRAPHY; ELECTROPHOTOGRAPHY; MAGNETOGRAPHY
    • G03G15/00—Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern
    • G03G15/06—Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern for developing
    • G03G15/08—Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern for developing using a solid developer, e.g. powder developer
    • G03G15/0822—Arrangements for preparing, mixing, supplying or dispensing developer
    • G03G15/0865—Arrangements for supplying new developer
    • G03G15/0867—Arrangements for supplying new developer cylindrical developer cartridges, e.g. toner bottles for the developer replenishing opening
    • G03G15/0868—Toner cartridges fulfilling a continuous function within the electrographic apparatus during the use of the supplied developer material, e.g. toner discharge on demand, storing residual toner, acting as an active closure for the developer replenishing opening
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
    • G03G—ELECTROGRAPHY; ELECTROPHOTOGRAPHY; MAGNETOGRAPHY
    • G03G15/00—Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern
    • G03G15/06—Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern for developing
    • G03G15/08—Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern for developing using a solid developer, e.g. powder developer
    • G03G15/0822—Arrangements for preparing, mixing, supplying or dispensing developer
    • G03G15/0877—Arrangements for metering and dispensing developer from a developer cartridge into the development unit
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
    • G03G—ELECTROGRAPHY; ELECTROPHOTOGRAPHY; MAGNETOGRAPHY
    • G03G15/00—Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern
    • G03G15/06—Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern for developing
    • G03G15/08—Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern for developing using a solid developer, e.g. powder developer
    • G03G15/0822—Arrangements for preparing, mixing, supplying or dispensing developer
    • G03G15/0877—Arrangements for metering and dispensing developer from a developer cartridge into the development unit
    • G03G15/0881—Sealing of developer cartridges
    • G03G15/0886—Sealing of developer cartridges by mechanical means, e.g. shutter, plug
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
    • G03G—ELECTROGRAPHY; ELECTROPHOTOGRAPHY; MAGNETOGRAPHY
    • G03G15/00—Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern
    • G03G15/06—Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern for developing
    • G03G15/08—Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern for developing using a solid developer, e.g. powder developer
    • G03G15/0822—Arrangements for preparing, mixing, supplying or dispensing developer
    • G03G15/0887—Arrangements for conveying and conditioning developer in the developing unit, e.g. agitating, removing impurities or humidity
    • G03G15/0891—Arrangements for conveying and conditioning developer in the developing unit, e.g. agitating, removing impurities or humidity for conveying or circulating developer, e.g. augers
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
    • G03G—ELECTROGRAPHY; ELECTROPHOTOGRAPHY; MAGNETOGRAPHY
    • G03G21/00—Arrangements not provided for by groups G03G13/00 - G03G19/00, e.g. cleaning, elimination of residual charge
    • G03G21/16—Mechanical means for facilitating the maintenance of the apparatus, e.g. modular arrangements
    • G03G21/1661—Mechanical means for facilitating the maintenance of the apparatus, e.g. modular arrangements means for handling parts of the apparatus in the apparatus
    • G03G21/1676—Mechanical means for facilitating the maintenance of the apparatus, e.g. modular arrangements means for handling parts of the apparatus in the apparatus for the developer unit
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
    • G03G—ELECTROGRAPHY; ELECTROPHOTOGRAPHY; MAGNETOGRAPHY
    • G03G21/00—Arrangements not provided for by groups G03G13/00 - G03G19/00, e.g. cleaning, elimination of residual charge
    • G03G21/16—Mechanical means for facilitating the maintenance of the apparatus, e.g. modular arrangements
    • G03G21/18—Mechanical means for facilitating the maintenance of the apparatus, e.g. modular arrangements using a processing cartridge, whereby the process cartridge comprises at least two image processing means in a single unit
    • G03G21/1803—Arrangements or disposition of the complete process cartridge or parts thereof
    • G03G21/1828—Prevention of damage or soiling, e.g. mechanical abrasion
    • G03G21/1832—Shielding members, shutter, e.g. light, heat shielding, prevention of toner scattering
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
    • G03G—ELECTROGRAPHY; ELECTROPHOTOGRAPHY; MAGNETOGRAPHY
    • G03G2215/00—Apparatus for electrophotographic processes
    • G03G2215/06—Developing structures, details
    • G03G2215/066—Toner cartridge or other attachable and detachable container for supplying developer material to replace the used material
    • G03G2215/0663—Toner cartridge or other attachable and detachable container for supplying developer material to replace the used material having a longitudinal rotational axis, around which at least one part is rotated when mounting or using the cartridge
    • G03G2215/0665—Generally horizontally mounting of said toner cartridge parallel to its longitudinal rotational axis
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
    • G03G—ELECTROGRAPHY; ELECTROPHOTOGRAPHY; MAGNETOGRAPHY
    • G03G2215/00—Apparatus for electrophotographic processes
    • G03G2215/06—Developing structures, details
    • G03G2215/066—Toner cartridge or other attachable and detachable container for supplying developer material to replace the used material
    • G03G2215/0663—Toner cartridge or other attachable and detachable container for supplying developer material to replace the used material having a longitudinal rotational axis, around which at least one part is rotated when mounting or using the cartridge
    • G03G2215/0665—Generally horizontally mounting of said toner cartridge parallel to its longitudinal rotational axis
    • G03G2215/067—Toner discharging opening covered by arcuate shutter
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
    • G03G—ELECTROGRAPHY; ELECTROPHOTOGRAPHY; MAGNETOGRAPHY
    • G03G2215/00—Apparatus for electrophotographic processes
    • G03G2215/06—Developing structures, details
    • G03G2215/066—Toner cartridge or other attachable and detachable container for supplying developer material to replace the used material
    • G03G2215/0663—Toner cartridge or other attachable and detachable container for supplying developer material to replace the used material having a longitudinal rotational axis, around which at least one part is rotated when mounting or using the cartridge
    • G03G2215/0675—Generally cylindrical container shape having two ends
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
    • G03G—ELECTROGRAPHY; ELECTROPHOTOGRAPHY; MAGNETOGRAPHY
    • G03G2215/00—Apparatus for electrophotographic processes
    • G03G2215/06—Developing structures, details
    • G03G2215/066—Toner cartridge or other attachable and detachable container for supplying developer material to replace the used material
    • G03G2215/0685—Toner cartridge or other attachable and detachable container for supplying developer material to replace the used material fulfilling a continuous function within the electrographic apparatus during the use of the supplied developer material, e.g. toner discharge on demand, storing residual toner, not acting as a passive closure for the developer replenishing opening
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
    • G03G—ELECTROGRAPHY; ELECTROPHOTOGRAPHY; MAGNETOGRAPHY
    • G03G2215/00—Apparatus for electrophotographic processes
    • G03G2215/06—Developing structures, details
    • G03G2215/066—Toner cartridge or other attachable and detachable container for supplying developer material to replace the used material
    • G03G2215/0692—Toner cartridge or other attachable and detachable container for supplying developer material to replace the used material using a slidable sealing member, e.g. shutter
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
    • G03G—ELECTROGRAPHY; ELECTROPHOTOGRAPHY; MAGNETOGRAPHY
    • G03G2215/00—Apparatus for electrophotographic processes
    • G03G2215/08—Details of powder developing device not concerning the development directly
    • G03G2215/0802—Arrangements for agitating or circulating developer material
    • G03G2215/085—Stirring member in developer container

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a toner cartridge according to the preamble of claim 1 and to a toner supplying mechanism having such a toner cartridge.
  • a toner cartridge which is exchangeable and which does not include the photosensitive drum or the developing roller, the toner cartridge containing toner (developer) which is to be consumed with the image formation.
  • the toner (developer) is discharged through the discharge opening from the toner cartridges into a developing device including the developing roller and so on.
  • an open/close member such as a shutter for opening and closing the discharge opening is provided.
  • JP H07-199623 A discloses a structure in which when a cylindrical toner cartridge (developer supply container) is mounted to the main assembly of the image forming apparatus, the toner cartridge is rotated by which the shutter is opened.
  • US 2013/259533 A1 shows a generic toner cartridge according to the preamble of claims 1 for electrophotographic image formation, said toner cartridge comprising a container including an accommodating portion for accommodating a toner and a discharge opening for discharging the toner); and an open/close member including a closing portion for closing said discharge opening and an engaging portion movable relative to said closing portion, said open/close member being rotatable relative to said container between an opening position for causing said closing portion to open said discharge opening and a closing position for causing said closing portion to close said discharge opening.
  • the object of the present invention is achieved by a toner cartridge having the features of claim 1.
  • a toner supplying mechanism comprising the toner cartridge according to the present invention is defined in claim 36.
  • the image forming apparatus is an apparatus capable of forming an image on the recording material through an electrophotographic image forming process, for example.
  • the image forming apparatus may be an electrophotographic copying machine, an electrophotographic printer (LED printer, laser beam printer or the like) or an electrophotographic printer type facsimile machine.
  • the image forming apparatus is a monochromatic image forming apparatus including one toner image forming portion.
  • the number of the toner image forming portions provided in the image forming apparatus is not limited to this example.
  • the image forming apparatus may include a plurality of toner image forming portions to form color images.
  • the structures contributable to the improvement in the usability will be described in detail. More particularly, it is a related with crispness when a user mounts the toner cartridge to a developing unit (developing cartridge).
  • the general arrangement of the image forming apparatus will be described the first, and then the developing unit and the toner cartridge will be described in detail.
  • An operation of mounting the toner cartridge to the developing unit is called “mounting operation”, and an operation of dismounting the toner cartridge from the developing unit is called “dismounting operation”.
  • Electrophotographic image forming apparatus
  • FIG. 2 is a side section of the image forming apparatus A according to this embodiment of the present invention.
  • the image forming apparatus A shown in Figure 2 receives image information from an external equipment such as a personal computer communicatably connected therewith.
  • the image forming apparatus A forms an image (toner image) with a developer (toner) on a recording material P (recording paper, OHP sheet, textile or the like) through an electrophotographic image forming process.
  • the toner image forming portion (toner image forming unit) B is detachably mountable to a main assembly.
  • the toner image forming portion (toner image forming unit) B of this embodiment comprises a drum unit (drum cartridge) C, the developing unit (developing device, developing cartridge) D and a toner cartridge E.
  • the toner cartridge E is detachably mountable to the developing unit D. More particularly, the developing unit D is provided with a mounting portion for mounting the toner cartridge E, and constitutes a receiving device for receiving the toner cartridge E.
  • the toner image forming portion (toner image forming unit) can be deemed as a unit including a photosensitive drum and an element or elements actable on the photosensitive drum.
  • the drum unit C, the developing unit D and the toner cartridge E are cartridges independently detachably mountable to the main assembly of the apparatus.
  • the drum unit C may be called a drum cartridge
  • the developing unit D may be called a developing cartridge.
  • drum unit C, the developing unit D and the toner cartridge E are in the form of such cartridges, respectively.
  • the photosensitive drum or drum unit including the photosensitive drum
  • the developing unit (developing cartridge) D and the toner cartridge E only are detachably mountable.
  • the drum unit C and the developing unit D a unified into a single cartridge which is detachably mountable to the main assembly.
  • the cartridge comprising the unified drum unit C and developing unit D may be called a process cartridge.
  • the toner cartridge E is mountable to and dismountable from the process cartridge.
  • the process cartridge is the receiving device.
  • the image forming apparatus employing the process cartridge structure will be described in conjunction with Embodiment 4.
  • the photosensitive drum and the developing unit are fixed in the main assembly, and the toner cartridge E only is detachably mountable to the main assembly.
  • the main assembly of the image forming apparatus per se is the receiving device for the toner cartridge E.
  • the structure including the receiving device (developing unit D) and the toner cartridge E in combination may be called a toner supply mechanism (toner supply unit, toner supplying device).
  • toner supply mechanism the toner is supplied from the toner cartridge E into the receiving device.
  • the photosensitive drum as an image bearing member comprises a cylinder having a photosensitive layer and a flange or the like as a unit.
  • the mounting and dismounting of the cartridges are carried out by the user (operator).
  • the main assembly (main assembly of the image forming apparatus) is the part of the image forming apparatus A except for the cartridges (drum unit C, developing unit D and toner cartridge E).
  • the drum unit C comprises the photosensitive drum (image bearing member) 16, a charging roller 17, the cleaning blade 19 and so on as a unit, and in this embodiment, it is a cartridge (drum cartridge) detachably mountable to the main assembly.
  • the developing unit D comprises a developing roller (developer carrying member) 24 and so on as a unit, and in this embodiment, it is a cartridge (developing cartridge) detachably mountable to the main assembly.
  • the toner cartridge E as the developer container comprises the toner container (developer accommodating container, container) 47 for accommodating the toner t as the developer and so on, which are unified into a cartridge.
  • the photosensitive drum 16 is rotatable in a direction indicated by an arrow a in Figure 2 .
  • the surface of the rotating photosensitive drum 16 is uniformly charged by the charging roller 17 as charging means.
  • the photosensitive drum 16 is exposed to a laser beam L supplied by way of the laser scanner (exposure means) 1 in accordance with the image information, so that an electrostatic latent image is formed on the photosensitive drum 16 in accordance with the image information.
  • the toner t carried on the developing roller 24 develops the electrostatic latent image. By this, a toner image is formed on the photosensitive drum 16.
  • a frame 35 of the developing unit D as the receiving device rotatably supports the developing roller 24.
  • the developing roller 24 receive a driving force from a power source such as a motor (unshown) provided in the main assembly to rotate codirectionally with the peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 16 (arrow b in the Figure).
  • the toner t in a developing chamber 31 is carried on the peripheral surface of the developing roller 24 with a regulated layer thickness by a developing blade 25.
  • the toner is triboelectrically charged.
  • the charged toner develops the electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 16.
  • the developing chamber 31 is in fluid communication with a first toner accommodating portion (developer accommodating portion) 28 through a first opening 29.
  • a communicating portion 58 is provided by a second opening (accommodation member opening, receiving port, receiving opening) 30 and a third opening (container opening, discharge port, discharge opening) 49.
  • the first toner accommodating portion (accommodation member accommodation chamber) 28 is in fluid communication with the second toner accommodating portion (container accommodation chamber) 47t of the toner cartridge E.
  • the second toner accommodating portion 47t is the space in the container 47 for accommodating the toner.
  • the second toner accommodating portion 47t is an accommodating portion (toner accommodating portion, developer accommodating portion) provided by the frame (container frame 47a) of the container 47.
  • a third opening 49 is formed in the container frame 47a and permits the toner to discharge from the second toner accommodating portion 47t to an outside (developing unit D) of the container 47.
  • the toner discharged through the third opening 49 is received through the second opening 30 of the developing unit D.
  • the toner t is supplied from the second toner accommodating portion 47t by a second toner feeding member 46 rotated by a driving force applied from the main assembly by way of the developing unit D.
  • the recording material P set in a feeding cassette 2 is singled out and is fed by a pickup roller 3 and a press-contact member 5 press contacted thereto.
  • the recording material P is fed to the transfer roller 6 as a transferring means, along a feeding guide 4.
  • the recording material P is passed through a transfer nip 11 formed between the photosensitive drum 16 and the transfer roller 6 supplied with a predetermined voltage. At this time, the toner image formed on the photosensitive drum 16 is transferred onto the recording material P.
  • the recording material P having the transferred toner image is fed into a fixing means 8 along the feeding guide 7.
  • the fixing means 8 includes a driving roller 8a and a fixing roller 8c containing a heater 8b therein.
  • the recording material P receives heat and pressure during passing through a nip 8d formed between the fixing roller 8c and the driving roller 8a. By this, the toner image transferred onto the recording material P is fixed on the recording material P. Thereafter, the recording material P carrying the fixed toner image is further fed by a pair of discharging rollers 9 onto a discharging tray 10.
  • the cleaning blade 19 is elastically contacted to the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 16. By this, the toner t (untransferred toner) remaining on the photosensitive drum 16 without being transferred onto the recording material P is scraped off by the cleaning blade 19.
  • the scraped toner t is accommodated into a removal toner accommodating portion (residual toner accommodating portion) 18a of a frame 18 on which the cleaning blade 19 is fixed.
  • the image forming apparatus of this embodiment uses an electrophotographic image formation type process and forms an image on the recording material with the developer (toner).
  • the image forming apparatus will suffice if an image is formed on the recording material, and the type of the image forming apparatus is not limited to the electrophotographic copying machine, the electrophotographic printer (laser beam printer, LED printer or the like), the electrophotographic printer type facsimile machine, the electrophotographic word processor or the like.
  • the toner image forming portion B comprises the electrophotographic photosensitive member (photosensitive member) as the image bearing member and process means actable on the photosensitive member.
  • the toner image forming portion is detachably mountable to the main assembly of the image forming apparatus as a single cartridge or multiple cartridges.
  • the process means includes the charging means (charging member, charging device), the developing means (developing device, developing unit), the cleaning means (cleaning device, cleaning member).
  • the developing device is a device for developing an electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive member.
  • the developing device (developing unit) is formed into a cartridge which is independently detachably mountable to the image forming apparatus.
  • a part of the process cartridge may constitute the developing device.
  • the toner cartridge (developer cartridge, toner bottle, developer bottle, toner container, developer container) is a cartridge accommodating the developer (toner) for developing the electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive member.
  • FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the neighborhood of the receiving portion (mounting portion) of the toner cartridge E of the developing unit D.
  • Part (a) of Figure 4 illustrates the state in which the second opening 30 is closed, that is, a first shutter 37 is in a closing position.
  • Part (b) of Figure 4 illustrates the state in which the second opening 30 is opened, that is, the first shutter 37 is in an opening position.
  • a longitudinal direction of the developing unit D is parallel with a rotational axis direction of the developing roller 24 of the developing unit D.
  • the longitudinal direction of the toner cartridge E is substantially parallel with the longitudinal direction of the developing unit D
  • the developing unit D is capable of receiving the toner cartridge E in the frame (developing device frame) 35 at the receiving portion.
  • the developing unit D is provided with the second opening (accommodation member opening, receiving opening) 30 and the first shutter (accommodation member shutter, receiving device side shutter, receiving device side open/close member) 37.
  • the second opening 30 is provided at a longitudinally central portion of the developing unit D.
  • the position of the second opening 30 is not limited to such, and will suffice if it is opposed to the third opening (container opening) 49 which will be described hereinafter.
  • the second opening 30 is closed by the first shutter 37 having a shape curved along the outer peripheral surface of the toner cartridge E.
  • the first shutter 37 is provided with a hole portion 37a engageable with a projection (container side engaging portion, open/close member moving portion, container side projection) 47 provided on the toner cartridge E as the developer container.
  • the hole portion 37 is disposed at the position out of a sealing range in which the first shutter 37 seals the second opening 30.
  • first shutter 37 The opposite longitudinal end portions of the first shutter 37 are engageable with first shutter guide portions 34 provided at the longitudinally opposite sides of the second opening 30 of the frame 35 of the developing unit D.
  • first shutter guide portion 34 The opposite longitudinal end portions of the first shutter 37 are engageable with first shutter guide portions 34 provided at the longitudinally opposite sides of the second opening 30 of the frame 35 of the developing unit D.
  • the first shutter 37 is movable between the closing position (receiving opening closing position, part (a) of Figure 4 ) for closing the second opening 30 and the opening position (receiving opening position, part (b) of Figure 4 ) for opening the second opening 30.
  • the frame 35 of the developing unit D is provided with a first sealing seal 32 for sealing between the first shutter 37 and the second opening 30 so as to surround the second opening 30.
  • the developing unit D is provided at the opposite longitudinal ends of the frame 35 with insertion guide portions 35d, 36d for guiding the toner cartridge E while maintaining the attitude (mounting attitude) of the toner cartridge when the toner cartridge E is mounted (inserted), respectively.
  • the developing unit D is provided with abutted portion (portion to be abutted) 35a, 36a to which the abutting portions 42a, 43a of the toner cartridge E abuts upon the insertion which will be described hereinafter.
  • the developing unit D is further provided at the opposite longitudinal ends of the frame 35 with rotation guide portions 35b, 36b for guiding the rotation of the toner cartridge E when the first shutter 37 and the second shutter (container shutter) 53 is opened and closed.
  • the insertion-guiding portions 35d, 36d linear extend in parallel with each other along an inserting direction f (part (a) of Figure 4 ) of the toner cartridge E.
  • the inserting direction of the toner cartridge E is a mounting direction, and a dismounting direction is opposite from the mounting direction.
  • abutted portion 35a and the rotation guide portion 35b are provided in a downstream side with respect to the inserting direction f of the insertion guide portion 35d, and in the driving side thereof, the abutted portion 36a and the rotation guide 36b are provided in the downstream side with respect to the inserting direction f of the guide portion 36d.
  • the side provided with the driving portion (first drive transmitting portion 38, for example) such as a gear is called “driving side".
  • a non-driving side of the developing unit is the opposite side from the driving side.
  • the developing unit D is provided at one end portion of the frame 35 with respect to the longitudinal direction with the first drive transmitting portion 38 for transmitting a driving force to a second toner feeding means 46 of the toner cartridge E which will be described hereinafter.
  • the first drive transmitting portion 38 includes a gear which is connected with a driving mechanism of the main assembly of the image forming apparatus in the developing unit D.
  • the first drive transmitting portion 38 is a rotational force receiving portion (driving force receiving portion) for receiving a rotational force for driving the second toner feeding member 46 from an outside of the toner cartridge E.
  • the developing unit D is provided with a hole portion 33 at each of longitudinally opposite end portions of the frame 35.
  • the hole portions 33 are engageable with the claw portions 53b of the second shutter 53 of the toner cartridge E which will be described hereinafter.
  • the claw portion 53b is an engaging portion (open/close member side engaging portion) provided at a free end of an arm portion 53a. Therefore, when the third opening 49 is opened and closed, the second shutter 53 is prevented from rotating together with the container frame 47a which will be described hereinafter.
  • Part (a) of Figure 5 is a perspective view of the toner cartridge E as seen from the second drive transmitting portion 48 side (driving side).
  • Part (b) of Figure 5 is a perspective view of the toner cartridge E as seen from the opposite side (non-driving side) of the second drive transmitting portion 48.
  • Part (c) of Figure 5 is a sectional view of the toner cartridge E as seen from the opposite side of the second drive transmitting portion 48.
  • Part (d) of Figure 5 is a perspective view of the toner cartridge E in the state that the second shutter 53 is in the opening position (third opening 49 is opened).
  • the toner cartridge E comprises the container 47, the second shutter (developer container shutter) 53 movable relative to the container 47, the second toner feeding member 46 provided in the container 47, and the second drive transmitting portion (gear) 48 mounted on the second toner feeding member 46.
  • the container 47 is substantially cylindrical.
  • the frame (container frame) 47a constituting a main body (major part) of the container 47 is substantially cylindrical.
  • the container 47 is provided with a grip member 44.
  • the grip member 44 is in the form of a U-shaped projection integrally formed with the frame 47a.
  • the shape of the grip member 44 is not limited to the U-shape, and the grip member 44 may be non-integral with the frame 47a and may be mounted to the frame 47a.
  • the container frame (cylindrical portion) 47a is hollow to constitute to the second toner accommodating portion 47t for accommodating the toner.
  • the container frame 47a is provided in the peripheral surface thereof with the third opening 49 for discharging the toner from the second toner accommodating portion 47t.
  • the container frame 47a is provided with a second sealing seal 54 for sealing between the container frame 47a and the second shutter 53, the second sealing seal 54 surrounding the third opening 49.
  • the container frame 47a is provided on the cylindrical outer periphery with two projections 45 engageable with the hole portions 37a of the first shutter 37.
  • the two projections 45 are projections projecting in substantially the same directions.
  • a line connecting the two projections 45 with each other is substantially parallel with the longitudinal direction of the toner cartridge E.
  • the two projections 45 are disposed outside the third opening 49. More specifically, as two projections 45 and the third opening 49 a projected on a phantom line parallel with a rotational axis of the second shutter 53, the entirety of the third opening 49 is within the range between the two projections.
  • the second toner feeding member 46 for feeding the toner is rotatably provided inside the second toner accommodating portion 47t of the container frame 47a.
  • the position where the projection and the hole are engaged with each other is called “engaging position”, and the position where they are disengaged from each other is called “non-engaging position)" (released position).
  • the second drive transmitting portion (gear) 48 for receiving a driving force for rotating the second toner feeding member 46 is provided.
  • the longitudinal direction of the toner cartridge E is parallel with the rotational axis direction of the second toner feeding member 46.
  • the third opening 49 is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the container frame 47a in the longitudinally central portion of the toner cartridge E.
  • the position of the third opening 49 not limited to a particular portion, and will be any if it is opposed to the second opening 30.
  • the second shutter 53 is curved along the outer peripheral surface of the container frame 47a of the toner cartridge E.
  • a section of the second shutter 53 (section perpendicular to the center axis of the container frame 47a) has a curve configuration (substantially arcuate configuration) extending along the outer periphery of the container frame 47a.
  • the container frame 47a has a curved surface (substantially cylindrical or arcuate) at least in the peripheral area of the third opening 49.
  • the second shutter 53 is rotatable (circulatable) around the periphery of the container frame 47a. By this, the second shutter 53 is capable of opening and closing the third opening 49.
  • the second shutter 53 includes a main body portion 53m of the shutter for closing the third opening 49.
  • the second shutter 53 is provided with two snap fit portions each including an arm portion 53a and a claw portion 53b.
  • the second shutter 53 is provided with two arm portions 53a at the longitudinal the opposite end portions of the main body portion 53m of the shutter, and is provided with two claw portions 53b provided at a free end portions of the arm portions 53a, respectively.
  • the longitudinal direction of the main body portion 53m of the shutter is substantially parallel with the longitudinal direction of the toner cartridge E.
  • the claw portion 53b is an engaged portion (portion to be engaged, shutter side engaging portion, open/close member side engaging portion) for engaging with the developing unit D.
  • the claw portion 53b is exposed outwardly in the radial direction of the container 47 (container frame 47a) having the cylindrical shape. More particularly, the claw portion 53b is a projection projected at least radially outward of the container 47 (container frame 47a).
  • the arm portion 53a is a supporting portion for supporting the claw portion 53b and is a connecting portion for connecting the claw portion 53b with the main body portion 53m of the shutter.
  • the arm portion 53a includes an elastic portion (deformable portion, movable portion) capable of elastic deformation. That is, the arm portion 53a itself is elastically deformable.
  • the arm portion 53a extends from the trailing side to the leading side of the second shutter 53.
  • the leading side of the second shutter 53 is a downstream side in the direction in which the second shutter 53 move relative to the container frame 47a when the second shutter 53 closes the third opening 49.
  • the free end of the second shutter 53 is an end portion of the second shutter 53 with respect to a widthwise direction of the second shutter 53 (direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the second shutter 53).
  • the claw portion 53b is movable relative to the main body portion 53m of the shutter.
  • the opposite longitudinal end portions of the second shutter 53 (main body portion 53m of the shutter) are engaged with second shutter guide portions (opening and closing guide) 52 provided at the opposite longitudinal end portions of the third opening 49 of the container frame 47a.
  • the second shutter is slidable on the outer peripheral surface of the container frame 47a along the second shutter guide portion 52 in a circumferential direction.
  • the second shutter 53 is movable along the outer peripheral surface of the toner cartridge E between the opening position (container opening position, part (d) of Figure 5 ) for opening the third opening 49, and the closing position (container closing position, part (b) of Figure 5 ) for closing the third opening 49.
  • the third opening 49 is fully opened without being covered by the main body portion 53m (closing portion) of the shutter, as shown in part (d) of Figure 5 .
  • a part of the third opening 49 may be covered by the main body portion 53m (closing portion) of the shutter. That is, it will suffice if the supply of the toner from the toner cartridge E into the developing unit D is permitted even if the main body portion 53m of the shutter opens at least a part of the third opening 49, when the second shutter 53 is in the opening position.
  • the third opening 49 As a whole is covered by the main body portion 53m of the shutter, as shown in part (b) of Figure 5 .
  • the third opening 49 is substantially closed by the main body portion 53m of the shutter to sufficiently prevent leakage of the toner through the third opening 49 even if the third opening 49 slightly opens. That is, it will suffice if the main body portion 53m of the shutter substantially closes the third opening 49 when the second shutter 53 is in the closing position.
  • the container frame 47a of the toner cartridge E is provided with the insertion-guided portion (portion to be guided, toner cartridge side guide portion) 42, 43 at each of the longitudinal opposite end portions of the toner cartridge E.
  • the insertion-guided portions (portions to be guided, guided portions) 42, 43 being guided by the insertion-guiding portions 35d, 36d of the developing unit D, the attitude of the toner cartridge E is stabilized upon the mounting and dismounting of the toner cartridge E.
  • the toner cartridge E is further provided with an abutting portion 42a.
  • the abutting portion 42a abuts to the abutted portion 35a of the developing unit D when the toner cartridge E is inserted to the developing unit D.
  • the toner cartridge E is provided with a rotation-guided portion 42b (portion to be guided for rotation).
  • the rotation-guided portion 42b guides the container frame 47a when the toner cartridge E is rotated to open and close the first shutter 37 and the second shutter 53.
  • the container 47 can be rotated by the provision of the rotation-guided portion 42b.
  • the rotation-guided portion 42b is a rotation guide (toner cartridge side rotation guide) for guiding the rotation of the toner cartridge E.
  • the rotation-guided portion 42b has a curved shape (substantially arcuate)
  • the insertion-guided portion 42 is provided with the regulated portion (portion-to-be-regulated, regulated surface, attitude regulating portion, inserting direction regulating portion) 42c1, 42c2 for regulating the insertion attitude, dismounting attitude (inserting direction and dismounting direction) of the toner cartridge E when the cartridge E is inserted and dismounted.
  • the insertion-guided portion 42 may have a lightening in a part of an outer configuration to change the outer configuration.
  • the insertion-guided portion 43 is provided with the abutting portion 43a to abut to the abutted portion 36a of the developing unit D when the toner cartridge E is inserted.
  • the insertion-guided portion 43 also functions as the rotation-guided portion (toner cartridge side rotation guide portion) For guiding the container frame 47a when the abutting portion 43a opens and closes the first shutter 37 and the second shutter 53.
  • the abutting portion 42a, the rotation-guided portion 42b, the regulating portion 42c1 and the regulating portion 42c2 are formed integrally with the insertion-guided portion 42b.
  • they may be separate members if the respective functions are performed.
  • the insertion-guided portion 43b and the abutting portion 43a may be separate members, respectively.
  • the rotation-guided portion may be a separate member from the abutting portion 43a.
  • the insertion-guided portion 43 is provided at the end portion of the second drive transmitting portion 48 of the second toner feeding portion 46.
  • the insertion-guided portion 43 may be provided on the container frame 47a.
  • the container frame 47a is provided with the grip member 44 as a grip to be gripped by the user when the toner cartridge E is mounted.
  • the grip member 44 is fixed to the container frame 47a at the opposite longitudinal end portions.
  • the grip member 44 may be integrally molded with the container frame 47a.
  • Part (a) of Figure 1 is a side view of the side of the toner cartridge E opposite from the second drive transmitting portion 48 as seen in the longitudinal direction of the second toner feeding portion 46. This Figure shows the positional relationship between the grip member 44 and the abutting portion 42 relative to the inserting direction.
  • a line m is a line which is parallel with the inserting direction f of the toner cartridge E regulated by the regulating portion 42c1 and the regulating portion 42c2 and which passes through the abutting portion 42a and the abutting portion 43a (phantom line passing through the rotation axis S of the container frame 47a).
  • the grip member 44 is disposed in a downstream side of the line m with respect to the opening direction (arrow e in part (a) of Figure 1 ) of the third opening 49 (part (d) of Figure 5 ).
  • the opening direction (arrow e direction) of the third opening 49 is in the direction in which the toner cartridge E is rotated to set the toner cartridge E relative to the developing unit D (setting direction).
  • Part (b) of Figure 1 is a side view of the toner cartridge E and the developing unit D illustrating a positional relationship of the grip member 44 and the abutting portion 43a relative to the mounting direction of the toner cartridge E.
  • Figure 6 is a schematic view illustrating the toner cartridge E and the developing unit D in the state before the toner cartridge E is mounted (inserted), in which part (a) of Figure 6 is a perspective view, and part (b) of Figure 6 is a side view.
  • Figure 7 is a side view showing the toner cartridge E and the developing unit D in the state of part way of the mounting (inserting) of the toner cartridge E.
  • the first shutter 37 is in the accommodation member closing position, and the second shutter 53 is in the container closing position. Therefore, the second opening 30 of the developing unit D and the third opening 49 of the toner cartridge E are closed.
  • the inserting direction of the toner cartridge E into the developing unit D is indicated by f in part (b) of Figure 6 .
  • the direction f is along the surface of the regulating portion 42c as seen in the longitudinal direction of the toner cartridge E. More particularly, of the directions along the surface of the regulating portion 42c, the direction in which the abutting portion 42a is downstream of the insertion-guided portion 42 is in the direction f.
  • the user grips the grip member 44 and moves the toner cartridge E toward the developing unit D in the inserting direction f. At this time, the user move the toner cartridge E such that the insertion-guided portion 42 of the toner cartridge E and the insertion-guiding portion 35d of the developing unit D are engaged with each other, and the insertion-guided portion 43 and the insertion-guiding portion 36d are engaged with each other.
  • the insertion-guided portions 42, 43 and the insertion-guiding portions 35d, 36d are formed such that the inserting direction f is inclined with respect to the direction g of gravity (part (b) of Figure 6 ).
  • the toner cartridge E is inserted while the surface of the regulated portion 42c1 of the insertion-guided portion 42 is guided by the surface 35d1 of the insertion-guiding portion 35d.
  • the toner cartridge E is inserted while the surface of the regulating portion 42c2 of the insertion-guided portion 42 is guided by the surface 35d2 of the insertion-guiding portion 35d.
  • the insertion-guided portion 42 is positioned relative to the rotation guide portion 35b.
  • the attitude of the toner cartridge E relative to the developing unit D is determined ( Figure 7 ).
  • the user further moves the toner cartridge E downwardly along the insertion-guiding portion 35d and the insertion-guiding portion 36d.
  • the toner cartridge E is inserted into the developing unit D in the direction of the arrow f.
  • the abutting portion 42a abuts to the abutted portion 35a.
  • the abutting portion 43a abuts to the abutted portion 36a.
  • Parts (a) - (d) of Figure 8 are side views of various modified examples, an insertion-guided portion 42, an abutting portion 42a, a regulating portion 42c of the toner cartridge E.
  • the insertion-guided portion 42 of the toner cartridge E is provided by a single projection in the form of an elongated circle.
  • other configurations and the structures as shown in parts (a) ? (d) can be employed.
  • the configurations, the number and the positions of the projections are not limited to the specific examples.
  • a combination of the elongated circle projection and a circular column configuration projection is usable.
  • a surface 42d of the elongated circle projection is guided (contacted) by the surface 35d1 of the insertion-guiding portion 35d
  • a surface 42c2 of the circular column configuration projection is guided (contacted) by the surface 35d2 of the insertion-guiding portion 35d.
  • the attitude of the toner cartridge E is regulated in the inserting operation.
  • the abutting portion 42a of the elongated circular projection abuts to the abutted portion 35a two completed the insertion of the toner cartridge E.
  • the insertion-guided portion may be constituted by a combination of a plurality of circular column configuration projections.
  • the configuration of the projection may not be circular column configuration, and may be triangular prism configuration.
  • the configuration may be any if the insertion-guided portion is along the inserting direction f of the toner cartridge E, and the insertion attitude of the toner cartridge E can be regulated.
  • the number of the insertion-guided portions may be one or more.
  • the circular column configuration projections 42e, 42f arranged along the inserting direction f are guided by the surface 35d1 of the insertion-guiding portion 35d.
  • the surface 42c2 of the circular column configuration projection 42 is guided by the surface 35d2 of the insertion-guiding portion 35d.
  • a circular column configuration projection 42f provided at the position in the downstream side with respect to the inserting direction f is provided with the abutting portion 42a, which abuts to the abutted portion 35a.
  • the circular column configuration projections 42e, 42f arranged along the inserting direction f are guided by the surface 35d1 of the insertion-guiding portion 35d.
  • the circular column configuration projections 42e, 42f are guided by the surface 35d2 of the insertion-guiding portion 35d.
  • the attitude of the toner cartridge E is regulated.
  • the circular column configuration projection 42f provided in the downstream side with respect to the inserting direction f is provided with the abutting portion 42a, which abuts to the abutted portion 35a, by which the insertion of the toner cartridge E into the developing unit D is completed.
  • Part (a) of Figure 10 is a side view of the insertion-guided portion 42 of the toner cartridge E and frame 35 of the developing unit D in the state the abutting portion 42a is in abutment to the abutted portion 35a.
  • Part (b) of Figure 10 is a sectional view of the toner cartridge E and the developing unit D in the state that the abutting portion 42a is in abutment to the abutted portion 35a.
  • Part (a) of Figure 11 is a side view of the insertion-guided portion 42 of the toner cartridge E and the frame 35 of the developing unit D in the state that the toner cartridge E is positioned relative to the developing unit D.
  • Part (b) of Figure 11 is a sectional view illustrating an engagement relationship between the positioned toner cartridge E and the developing unit D.
  • Part (b) of Figure 11 is a sectional view of the toner cartridge E and the developing unit D at the position of the second shutter 53.
  • Part (c) of Figure 11 is a sectional view illustrating another engagement state between the positioned toner cartridge E and the developing unit D.
  • Part (c) of Figure 11 is a sectional view of the toner cartridge E and the developing unit D taken at the position of the claw portion 53b.
  • the developing unit side first shutter 37 and the toner cartridge side second shutter 53 are opened (moved to the opening positions). And the contrary, in the process of dismounting the toner cartridge E from the developing unit D, the first shutter 37 and the second shutter 53 are closed (moved to the closing position).
  • the toner cartridge E is mounted by the mounting operation including at least a rotating operation relative to the developing unit D. More particularly, after being inserted substantially linearly into the developing unit D, the toner cartridge E is rotated relative to the developing unit D to be mounted. In interrelation with the rotating operation of the toner cartridge E in the mounting operation, the shutters 37, 53 are moved from the closing positions to the opening positions, respectively.
  • the toner cartridge E is dismounted from the developing unit D by the dismounting operation including at least a rotating operation. More particularly, after being rotated relative to the developing unit D, the toner cartridge E is pulled out substantially linearly to be dismounted.
  • Part (a) of Figure 12 is a side view of the insertion-guided portion 42 of the toner cartridge E and the frame 35 of the developing unit D in the state that the second opening 30 and the third opening 49 are opened.
  • Part (b) of Figure 12 is a sectional view of the toner cartridge E and the developing unit D in the state that the second opening 30 and the third opening 49 are opened.
  • the relative position between the second opening 30 and the third opening 49 can take different relative positions.
  • at least two positions (states) can be taken by rotating the toner cartridge E.
  • the second opening 30 and the third opening 49 are not overlapped with each other, and therefore, the first toner accommodating portion 28 and the second toner accommodating portion 47t are in non-fluid-communication state (non-communication position).
  • the first shutter 37 is in the closing position closing the second opening 30.
  • the second opening 30 and the third opening 49 are aligned with each other, so that the first toner accommodating portion 28 and the second toner accommodating portion 47t are in fluid communication with each other.
  • the first shutter 37 is in the opening position opening the second opening 30.
  • the first shutter 37 is the open/close member for opening and closing the second opening 30.
  • the third opening 49 is formed in a curved surface portion having the substantially arcuate configuration, and the first shutter 37 moves (rotates) along the curved surface portion to open and close the third opening 49.
  • the container frame 47a of toner cartridge E is rotated by the user operating the grip member 44 in the direction of the arrow e from the mounted position shown in part (a) of Figure 1 .By this, the engagement state between the insertion-guided portion 42 and the frame 35 changes to the state shown in part (a) of Figure 12 through the state shown in part (a) of Figure 11 . At this time, the rotational axis of the toner cartridge E (container frame 47a) is substantially parallel with the longitudinal direction of the toner cartridge E.
  • the container frame 47a rotates by the movement of the leading side surface 53c of the second shutter 53 being limited by the collision surface 39. From this state, the toner cartridge E is further rotated to the mounting direction (arrow e in part (b) of Figure 11 ). Then, the third opening 49 for supplying the toner into the developing unit is moved in the opening direction.
  • the second shutter moves relative to the container frame 47a in the direction of opening the third opening 49 More particularly, the leading side surface 53c of the second shutter receive a force (reaction force) from the collision surface 39, by which the second shutter 53 rotates (circulates) along the outer periphery of the container frame 47a in the direction of opening the third opening 49.
  • the container frame 47a is provided with a surface (inclined surface) 47b such that the height ascends toward the arm portion 53a in the area opposing to the arm portion 53a.
  • the container frame 47a is provided with the peripheral surface protruded radially outwardly and the peripheral surface recessed radially inwardly.
  • the surface 47b is between the protruding peripheral surface and the recessed peripheral surface.
  • the output of the container frame 47a is outlet in the radial direction of the rotation of the second shutter 53 relative to the container frame 47a.
  • the output of the container frame 47a is the direction away from the rotational axis (center axis) of the container frame 47a.
  • the outward of the container frame 47a is away from the second toner feeding member 46 (or rotational axis of the second toner feeding member 46) provided inside the container frame 47a.
  • the container frame 47a is substantially cylindrical, and therefore, the surface along which the arm 53a is moved is outwardly protruded peripheral surface.
  • Another configuration can be employed if it can guide the arm 53a, and therefore, the configuration of the guide portion of the arm 53a is not limited to the above-described specific example.
  • the arm portion 53a changes from the state of retracting along the recess provided on the peripheral surface of the container frame 47a to the state of engaging with the developing unit side. More particularly, the claw portion 53b of the arm portion 53a is engaged with the hole portion 33 of the frame 35 of the developing unit D (by this, the second shutter 53 is temporarily engaged with the frame 35).
  • the surface 47b (part (b) of Figure 6 ) is a moving portion (engaging position moving portion) for urging the claw portion 53b to move the claw portion 53b radially outwardly of the container frame 47a when the second shutter 53 is moved to the opening position (when the toner cartridge E is mounted). That is, the claw portion 53b is moved by the surface 47b to the engaging position for engagement with the hole portion 33.
  • the claw portion 53b is moved outwardly of the container frame 47a (away from the center (rotational axis) of the container frame 47a), that is, always from the rotational axis of the second feeding member 46 provided inside the container frame 47a.
  • the surface 47b functions also as a guide portion for guiding the claw portion 53b, the arm portion 53a and the radially outwardly of the container frame 47a (to the engaging position) and also as an urging portion (pressing portion) for urging the arm 53a and the claw portion 53b radially outwardly.
  • the surface 47b functions also as an engaging position holding portion for holding the engaging portion (claw portion 53b) in the engaging position (the position at which it is engaged with the hole portion 33) when the second shutter 53 is in the opening position.
  • the first shutter 37 When the container frame 47a rotates in the direction of the arrow e in part (b) of Figure 11 , the first shutter 37 is pressed in the rotational direction of the container frame 47a by the contact between the surface 45a of the projection 45 and the surface 37a1 of the hole portion 37a. As a result, the first shutter 37 opens the second opening 30 in interrelation with the rotation of the container frame 47a.
  • the projection 45 of the container frame 47a functions as an opening force applying portion (opening position moving portion, open/close member moving portion) for applying a force to the first shutter 37 to move it to the opening position.
  • the second drive transmitting portion 48 of the toner cartridge E is connected with the drive transmitting portion 38 of the developing unit D.
  • the driving force for rotating the second toner feeding member 46 can be transmitted from the developing unit D.
  • the drive transmitting portion 38 for transmitting the driving force to the second drive transmitting portion 48 of the toner cartridge E is provided on the developing unit D side.
  • the drive transmitting portion 38 engaged with the second drive transmitting portion 48 may be provided on the toner cartridge E side as in an embodiment which will be described hereinafter.
  • the engagement between gears is called meshing engagement, which is used also for the case of a belt or the like provided with projections.
  • Part (a) of Figure 9 is a side view and shows a relationship of the forces applied to the toner cartridge E when it is inserted into the developing unit D.
  • Part (b) of Figure 9 is a side view and the shows a relationship of the forces applied to the toner cartridge E in the case of using an abutting portion 42a having a different structure.
  • the toner cartridge E is inserted into the developing unit D by the user, by which the abutting portion 42a abuts to the abutted portion (portion to be abutted) 35a.
  • the toner cartridge E receives a force F1 and a force F2. More particularly, the force F1 applied at the time when the user inserts the toner cartridge E acts on the grip member 44, and an equivalent force F2 as a reaction force is applied to the abutting portion 42a of the insertion-guided portion 42.
  • a line (phantom line) m parallel with the mounting direction of the toner cartridge E and passing through the rotational axis (rotation axis of the second shutter member 53) S of the toner cartridge E will be considered.
  • a length of the arm from the phantom line m to the grip member 44 is r1
  • a length of the arm from the rotational axis (rotation axis) S to the abutting portion 42a is r2.
  • the rotational moving direction of the toner cartridge E (container frame 47a) at the time when the second opening 30 and the third opening 49 are opened is counterclockwise (arrow e) as seen along an axial direction of the rotation of the container frame 47a.
  • the grip member 44 is disposed downstream of the line m with respect to the rotational moving direction e (positive in the opening direction of the second opening 30 and the third opening 49) (arrow e).
  • the rotation of the toner cartridge E is easier if the moment M is larger. In other words, with the increase of the moment M, the smoothness of the opening operation for the second opening 30 and the third opening 49 increases.
  • a change of the abutting portion 42a would be considered as shown in part (b) of Figure 9 , for example.
  • F3xr3 is a moment in the direction of opening the second opening 30 and the third opening 49 (opening direction e). Therefore, the moment M is larger, and therefore, the container frame 47a is more easily rotated in the opening direction e.
  • the positional relationship between the abutting portion 42a and the grip member 44 described above may be applied to the relationship between the abutting portion 43a and the grip member 44, by which the similar effects are provided.
  • Figure 64 shows a state in which the toner cartridge E is projected on a projection plane perpendicular to the rotational axis S, and the toner cartridge E is divided into two areas, namely an area R1 and an area R2 by the phantom line m.
  • the grip member 44 is in the same area R1 as the third opening (discharge opening) 49.
  • the entirety of the grip member 44 is in the area R1. That is, the free end portion (grip portion) 44t and the base portion 44s of the grip member 44 are both in the area R1.
  • the free end portion (operating portion, grip portion) 44t directly gripped by the user is in the area R1 side.
  • the base portion of the grip member 44 is the connecting portion between the container 47 and the grip member 44.
  • the projection (container side projection, open/close member moving portion) 45 and the claw portion 53a (open/close member side engaging portion), the surface (engaging position moving portion) 47b are also in the area R1 side.
  • the projection 45, the claw portion 53a, the surface 47b, the third opening 49 in the grip member 44 relating to the opening and closing operation for the first shutter 37 and the second shutter 53 are all in the area R1.
  • the toner cartridge E is divided into four parts by the phantom line m and the phantom line n.
  • the phantom line n is a line passing through the rotation axis S and perpendicular to the phantom line m.
  • the toner cartridge E is divided into four areas, namely, an area R1a, an area R1b, an area R2a and an area R2b.
  • the area R1a, the area R1b, the area R2a and the area R2b exists in the order named along the direction of the arrow e.
  • the direction of the arrow e is the rotational direction of the container 47 upon the mounting of the toner cartridge E. In other words, the direction of the arrow e is a direction in which the second shutter 53 rotates relative to the container 47 from the opening position to the closing position.
  • the grip member 44 (free end portion 44t, base portion 44s), the surface (engaging position moving portion) 47b is disposed in the same area R1a as the third opening 49.
  • the projection 45 is disposed in the area R1b which is downstream of the area R1a by one area in the direction of the arrow e.
  • the claw portion 53a is disposed between the projection 45 and the grip member 44 with respect to the direction of the arrow e.
  • the claw portion 53a is disposed adjacent to the phantom line n. Most of the claw portion 53a is in the area R1b side, but the claw portion 53a may be disposed in the area R1a.
  • the grip member 44, the third opening 49, the surface 47b, the claw portion (engaging portion) 53a and the projection 45 are disposed in the order named.
  • the user gripping the grip member 44 rotates the container frame 47a in the closing direction (arrow h direction, closing direction). Then, the surface 45b of the projection 45 of the container frame 47a abuts to the surface 37a2 of the hole portion 37a of the first shutter 37. By this, the first shutter 37 receives the force from the surface 37a2 to rotate in interrelation with the rotational operation of the container 47. The first shutter 37 moves to the closing position for closing the second opening 30.
  • the surface 45b of the projection 45 is a closing force applying portion for applying the force to the first shutter 37 to move the first shutter 37 to the closing position.
  • the claw portion 53b of the second shutter 53 is disposed in the engaging position by the surface 47b as described hereinbefore, so that the claw portion 53b is engaged with the hole portion 33 of the developing unit D. Therefore, the surface 53f of the claw portion 53b abuts to the surface 33a of the hole portion 33, and therefore, the second shutter 35 does not rotate integrally with the container frame 47a. That is, by the engagement between the claw portion 53b and the hole portion 33, the surface 53f receives the force from the surface 33a, and therefore, the rotation of the second shutter 35 is limited.
  • the second shutter 35 does not move integrally with the container frame 47a, so that the relative movement between the second shutter 35 and the container frame 47a is permitted. Therefore, the second shutter 53 moves relative to the container frame 47a to the closing position for closing the third opening 49.
  • the claw portion 53b is a shutter side engaging portion engageable with the hole portion (receiving device side engaging portion) 33 to receive the force for moving the second shutter 53 when the claw portion 53b is in the engaging position.
  • the surface 53f of the claw portion 53b contacting the hole portion 33 is a force receiving portion for receiving the force from the hole portion 33.
  • the outer periphery of the container frame 47a has a diameter which is changed at the boundary of surface 47b.
  • the radius of the container frame 47a gradually decreases along the surface 47b. Therefore, the shape of the arm portion 53a outwardly deformed elastically by the container frame 47a restores. That is, the elastic deformation of the arm portion 53a is released to permit the arm portion 53a to move radially inwardly.
  • the surface 47b is a guide portion for guiding the inward movement of the claw portion 53b toward the inside of the container frame 47a.
  • the surface 47b guides the claw portion 53b from the retracted position to the engaging position when the second shutter 53 moves from the closing position to the opening position (when the toner cartridge E is mounted).
  • the second shutter 53 moves from the opening position to the closing position (when the toner cartridge E is dismounted), it guides the claw portion 53b from the engaging position to the retracted position.
  • the surface 47b constitutes a recess which is recessed radially inwardly of the container frame 47a to provide a clearance space (escape) for permitting the claw portion 53b to be moved by the surface 47a radially inwardly of the container frame 47a. That is, the surface 47b is a permitting portion for permitting movement of the claw portion 53b to the retracted position.
  • the "radially inwardly of the container frame 47a” is the inward with respect to a radius of rotation when the second shutter 53 rotates relative to the container frame 47a.
  • the "radially inward” is toward the inside of the container frame 47a or toward the rotational axis (center axis) of the container frame 47a.
  • the “radially inward” is toward the second feeding member 46 (or the rotational axis thereof) provided inside the container frame 47a.
  • the toner cartridge E can be taken out in the direction of arrow k in part (b) of Figure 10 .
  • a movement distance measured along the radial direction of the container frame 47a at the time when the claw portion 53b moves from the engaging position to the retracted position (or from the retracted position to the engaging position) is not less than 1.3 mm.
  • the claw portion 53b is movable in the radial direction of the container frame 47a (rotation radial direction of the second shutter 53), it is not inevitable that the claw portion 53b moves in parallel with the radial direction, but it may move in a direction crossing with the radial direction.
  • the claw portion 53b may move in the axial direction of the container frame 47a (rotational axis direction of the second shutter 53) with the movement of the claw portion 53b in the radial direction.
  • the claw portion 53b may move in the circumferential direction (rotational moving direction of the second shutter 53) of the container frame 47a relative to the main body portion 53m of the shutter with the movement of the claw portion 53b in the radial direction.
  • the grip member 44 In the state that the toner cartridge E is set in the mounting position, the grip member 44 is disposed downstream of a phantom line passing through the rotation axis and extending in the inserting direction f as seen in the direction of the rotational axis of the container frame 47a, with respect to the rotational direction of the container frame 47a. In this position, the grip member 44 receives the force for rotating the container frame 47a provided by the operation of the user. This position is such that when the grip member 44 receives the force in the inserting direction f, the moment is produced in the direction of rotating the container frame 47a relative to the developing unit D.
  • the toner cartridge E of this embodiment is such that when the container frame 47a is rotated in this position, the force applied to the grip member 44 (arrow R in Figure 9 ) includes a component force (arrow Rf, in Figure 9 ) of the inserting direction f.
  • the grip member 44 receives the force in the inserting direction f at the time when the toner cartridge E reaches the mounting position. That is, at the time when the toner cartridge E reaches the mounting position, a part of the force required for rotating the container frame 47a is already applied to the grip member 44.
  • the force in the inserting direction f continues to be applied to the grip member 44 also during the rotation of the container frame 47a continuing from the insertion of the toner cartridge E to the mounting position.
  • the conversion of the force from the inserting operation force to the rotating operation force is smooth in the series of mounting operations including the insertion of the toner cartridge E to the mounting position of the developing unit D and the subsequent rotation of the container frame 47a by the user gripping the grip member (handle) 44. Therefore, the user can smoothly perform the inserting operation of the toner cartridge E to the developing unit D and the opening operation for the first shutter 37 and the second shutter 53, and therefore, the operationality is significantly improved.
  • the grip member (handle) 44 receives the force at the position remoter from the rotation axis than the abutting portion 42a when the toner cartridge E is in the mounting position.
  • the container frame 47a can be rotated by a relatively smaller force against the sliding resistances between the abutting portion 42a and the abutted portion 35a and the rotation guide 35b because of the principle of lever.
  • the second shutter 53 is rotatable around the circumference of the container 47 (container frame 47a). By this, the second shutter 53 can be opened and closed by the rotating operation of the toner cartridge E relative to the developing unit D (receiving device).
  • the space required for opening and closing the second shutter 53 is advantageously smaller than in the case that the second shutter 53 is opened and closed by a linear movement of the toner cartridge E.
  • the toner cartridge E in the case that the toner cartridge E is rotated relative to the developing unit D, the toner cartridge E changes in the attitude only, and the center (rotational axis) of the toner cartridge E hardly displaces relative to the developing unit D.
  • the area occupied by the toner cartridge E in the developing unit D hardly changes. For this reason, it is unnecessary to provide a large space in the developing unit D for the opening and closing of the second shutter 53.
  • the receiving device (developing unit D) for receiving the toner cartridge E and/or the image forming apparatus including the receiving device can be downsized.
  • the engaging portion (claw portion 53b) of the second shutter 53 is moved with the rotation of the toner cartridge E. That is, the engaging portion moves to a proper position at the timing of the rotating operation of the toner cartridge E. For this reason, the engaging portion does not obstruct the mounting and dismounting in the process of the mounting and dismounting of the toner cartridge E.
  • the engaging portion is capable of closing the open/close member in the process of the dismounting of the toner cartridge E.
  • the engaging portion is moved. That is, utilizing the rotating operation of the toner cartridge E, the engaging portion is moved. For this reason, no mechanism for transmitting a driving force from the main assembly of the apparatus to the toner cartridge in order to move the engaging portion is necessary.
  • the structures of the toner cartridge E, the developing unit D and the image forming apparatus can be simplified.
  • the arm portion (supporting portion) 53c per se has an elastically deformable elastic portion, and the claw portion (engaging portion) 53b moves from the engaging position to the retracted position by the elastic force of the arm portion 53c itself.
  • the elastic portion may be provided as an additional member separate from the supporting portion (arm portion 53c) and/or the engaging portion (claw portion 53b).
  • the arm portion 53c (supporting portion) is mounted on the main body portion 53m of the shutter so as to be slidable and/or rotatable. Then, the arm portion 53c is urged to the retracted position by an additional elastic portion (elastic member) separate from the arm portion 53c.
  • an additional elastic portion elastic member
  • the entire second shutter 53 including the main body portion 53m, the arm portion 53a and the claw portion 53b of the shutter are integrally molded from a resin material.
  • the second shutter 53 may be constituted by combining separate members.
  • a metal leaf spring metal member
  • a free end of the leaf spring is bent to form the shutter side engaging portion (claw portion 53b), or a separate member functioning as the shutter side engaging portion is fixed on the free end portion of the free end of the leaf spring.
  • the arm portion 53a may be constituted by combining multiple members of resin material and/or metal or the like.
  • the inside space of the image forming apparatus can be saved.
  • the electrophotographic image forming apparatus is the same as the above-described embodiment, and therefore, the description thereof is omitted.
  • the toner cartridge receiving portion of the developing unit D and the structures therearound will be described in detail.
  • Part (a) of Figure 13 is a sectional side view illustrating a positional relation of the grip member 44 of the toner cartridge E set in the image forming apparatus A and an optical path for the laser beam L in the electrostatic latent image forming operation.
  • Part (b) of Figure 13 is a top sectional view illustrating a positional relationship between the grip member 44 of the toner cartridge E set in the image forming apparatus A and a range of the passing laser beam during the electrostatic latent image forming operation.
  • the laser beam L (the beam for forming the latent image on the photosensitive drum 16) is passed through an opening formed between the grip member 44 and the container frame 47a.
  • the grip member 44 has an operating portion (grip portion) 44b to be gripped and operated by the user, the operating portion extending in the longitudinal direction of the toner cartridge E.
  • the opposite longitudinal end portions thereof are fixed (integral molding) to the container frame 47a by supporting portions 44a. Therefore, the toner cartridge E has such a structure that a space is provided between the container frame 47a and the operating portion 44b parallel with the rotational axis S of the grip member 44.
  • the laser beam L from the laser scanner 1 passes through the space (communicating portion) between the container frame 47a in the operating portion 44b of the grip member 44. By this, the inside space of the apparatus can be saved.
  • the grip member 44 is inclined to the limit where the shutter is in the opening position, by which the mounting operation is completed. In this mounting-completed state, the operating portion 44b of the grip member 44 does not interfere with the optical path for the laser beam L. As shown in part (b) of Figure 13 , the supporting portions 44a of the grip member 44 support the operating portion 44b at the positions out of a projection range (deflecting range) of the laser beam L in the longitudinal direction. By this, the toner cartridge E can be efficiently placed in the image forming apparatus A without deteriorating the user operationality. Therefore, the space saving can be accomplished, and the image forming apparatus A can be downsized.
  • a lower side surface of the operating portion 44b is substantially in parallel with a plane in which the laser beam deflects, when the cartridge is mounted on the apparatus. More specifically, the lower side of the grip portion is closer to parallel with the laser beam than a plane contacting a peripheral surface of the bottle at the base portion of the grip. In other words, when the opening side lower surface and the lower surface of the grip in the upstream side with respect to the mounting direction are compared with each other, the lower surface in the downstream side is farther from the peripheral surface of the bottle.
  • the electrophotographic image forming apparatus is the same as the above-described embodiment, and therefore, the description thereof is omitted, and the toner cartridge receiving portion of the developing unit D and the structures therearound will be described in detail.
  • Part (a) of Figure 15 is a sectional side view schematically illustrating the state in which the developing unit D and the toner cartridge E are separated.
  • Part (b) of Figure 15 is a sectional side view schematically illustrating the state in which the toner cartridge E is mounted to the developing unit D.
  • the toner cartridge (developer container) E comprises a container frame 47a including a second toner accommodating portion (container accommodation chamber) 47t accommodating the toner t.
  • the container frame 47a is provided with a third opening (container opening) 49 for communication between the inside and the outside of a second toner accommodating portion 47t.
  • the container frame 47a is provided with a second shutter (container shutter) 53 for opening and closing the third opening 49, the second shutter 53 being movable along the peripheral surface.
  • a second toner feeding member 46 is rotatably supported. The second toner feeding member 46 feeds the toner accommodated in the second toner accommodating portion toward the third opening 49 and discharges the toner through the opening 49.
  • the toner cartridge E comprising these elements is detachably mountable to the developing unit D.
  • the container frame 47a is rotatable (relative movement) about the rotational axis parallel with a developing roller axis direction z relative to the developing unit D (frame 35), in the state that the toner cartridge E is set (mounted) on the developing unit D.
  • the developing unit (accommodation member) D comprises a developing roller (developer carrying member) 24 as developing means and a developing blade (regulating member) 25.
  • the developing roller 24 and the developing blade 25 are mounted to the frame (developing device frame) 35 of the developing unit D.
  • the frame 35 comprises a first toner accommodating portion (accommodation member accommodation chamber) 28 accommodating the toner t, a developing chamber 31, a first opening 29 for communication between the developing chamber 31 and the first toner accommodating portion 28, a second opening (accommodation member opening) 30 for communication between the inside and the outside of the first toner accommodating portion 28.
  • the second opening 30 is provided at such a position that it opposes the third opening 49 of the toner cartridge E mounted to the developing unit D.
  • the frame 35 is provided with the movable first shutter (accommodation member shutter) 37 capable of opening and closing the second opening 30.
  • a first toner feeding member 27 is rotatably supported.
  • the developing roller 24 is provided in the frame 35 so that a part of the peripheral surface thereof is exposed to the inside of the developing chamber 31.
  • the toner cartridge E and the developing unit D constitutes a communicating portion 58 by the third opening 49 of the toner cartridge E and the second opening 30 of the developing unit D in the mounted state.
  • the communicating portion 58 Through the communicating portion 58, the first toner accommodating portion 28 and the second toner accommodating portion 47t are in fluid communication with each other.
  • the second toner feeding member 46 rotatably supported in the second toner accommodating portion 47t of the toner cartridge E rotates in the direction indicated by an arrow u1.
  • the toner t accommodated in the second toner accommodating portion 47t of the toner cartridge E is supplied into the second toner accommodating portion 47t through the third opening 49.
  • the toner t fed from the toner cartridge E through the third opening 49 is supplied into the first toner accommodating portion 28 of the developing unit D through the communicating portion 58 and the second opening 30.
  • the toner t is fed into the developing chamber 31 through the first opening 29 by the rotation of the first toner feeding member 27 rotatably supported in the first toner accommodating portion 28 in the direction indicated by an arrow u2.
  • the developing roller 24 including a magnet roller 26 therein is provided.
  • the developing roller 24 attracts the toner t in the developing chamber 31 onto the surface of the developing roller 24 by the magnetic force of the magnet roller 26.
  • the developing blade 25 is elastically contacted to the developing roller 24 at a predetermined contact pressure.
  • the developing roller 24 is supplied with a voltage from the image forming apparatus A (unshown) and rotates in the direction indicated by the arrow b, by which the toner t is supplied to the developing zone of the photosensitive drum 16. By this, the toner t transfers onto the surface of the photosensitive drum 16 in accordance with the electrostatic latent image, thus developing the electrostatic latent image into a toner image on the photosensitive drum 16.
  • the developing roller 24, the first toner feeding member 27 and the second toner feeding member 46 are rotated by a driving force transmitted from a power source (unshown) such as a motor or the like provided in the main assembly of the apparatus.
  • Figure 16 is an exploded perspective view of a neighborhood of the third opening of the toner cartridge E.
  • Figure 17 is a perspective view illustrating an opening and closing operation of the shutter of the toner cartridge E. Part (a) of Figure 17 illustrates the closed state of the shutter, and part (b) of Figure 17 illustrates the open state of the shutter.
  • Figure 18 is an exploded perspective view of the neighborhood of the second opening of the developing unit D.
  • Figure 19 is an exploded perspective view illustrating the opening and closing operation of the shutter of the developing unit D.
  • Part (a) of Figure 19 illustrates the closed state of the shutter
  • part (b) of Figure 19 illustrates the open state of the shutter.
  • Part (a) of Figure 24 is a sectional view of the frame 48 of the toner cartridge E taken along a line A1 of Figure 16
  • Part (b) of Figure 24 is a sectional view of the frame 33 of the developing unit D taken along a line A2 of Figure 18 .
  • the toner cartridge E includes the container frame 47a, the third opening 49 provided in the container frame 47a, the second shutter 53 in the second sealing member 157.
  • the container frame 47a father includes a guide portion 50a for guiding the second shutter 53, and a guide portion 50b.
  • the second shutter 53 is provided with a portion-to-be-guided 154a and a portion-to-be-guided 154b to be guided by the guide portion 50a and the guide portion 50b provided on the container frame 47a.
  • the portion-to-be-guided 154a and the portion-to-be-guided 154b provided on the second shutter 53 are inserted into a gap 50a1 and a gap 50b1 between an outer configuration portion 47a1 of the container frame 47a and the guide portion 50a and the guide portion 50b.
  • the second shutter 53 is movable between an open state (container opening position, part (b) of Figure 17 ) for opening the third opening 49 provided in the container frame 47a and a closing state (container closing position, part (a) of Figure 17 ) for closing the third opening 49.
  • the developing unit D includes the frame 35, the second opening 30 provided in the frame 35, the first shutter 37 and a first sealing member 32.
  • the frame 35 is provided with a guide portion 34a for guiding the first shutter 37 and an opening and closing guide portion 34b.
  • the first shutter 37 is provided with the guide portion 34a provided on the frame 35, a portion-to-be-guided 37s and a portion-to-be-guided 37t to be guided by the guide portion 34a and the opening and closing guide portion 34b, respectively.
  • the portion-to-be-guided 37s and the portion-to-be-guided 37t provided on the first shutter 37 are inserted into a gap 34a1 and a gap 34b1 between the outer configuration portions 35a, 35b of the frame 35 and the opening and closing guide portions 34a, 34b.
  • the first shutter 37 is movable between an open state (accommodation member opening position, part (b) of Figure 19 ) for opening the second opening 30 provided in the frame 35 and a closing state (accommodation member closing position, part (a) of Figure 19 ) for closing the second opening 30.
  • Figures 20 , 21 , 22 , 23 illustrate shutter opening / closing operations of the toner cartridge E and the developing unit D.
  • Figure 20 is a schematic sectional side view of the structure around the opening in the state that the toner cartridge E is engaged with the developing unit D; part (a) of Figure 20 shows the state in which the opening is closed; and part (b) of Figure 20 shows the state in which the opening is opened.
  • Figure 21 is a perspective view of the toner cartridge E and the developing unit D.
  • Figure 22 is a schematic sectional view of a hole portion 33L and a projection 56a, and a hole portion 33R and a projection 56b in the state that the toner cartridge E is engaged with the developing unit D.
  • Figure 23 is a schematic sectional side view of the shutter portion in the state that the toner cartridge E is engaged with the developing unit D.
  • the second shutter member 53 includes a main body portion (closing portion) 53m for closing the third opening 39, similarly to Embodiment 1.
  • the opposite end portions of the main body portion 53m are provided with arm portions (connecting portions, supporting portions, elastic portions, deformable portions, movable portions) 56c, 56d, respectively. They are further provided with a claw portion (protrusion, projection, shutter side engaging portion, engaged portion) 56a supported by the arm portion 56c, a claw portion (protrusion, projection, shutter side engaging portion, engaged portion) 56b supported by the arm portion 56d.
  • the claw portions 56a, 56b correspond to the claw portion 53b of Embodiment 1, although the structure and the function are partly different.
  • the arm portions 56c, 56d correspond to the arm portion 53a of Embodiment 1. The portions different from Embodiment 1 will be described hereinafter.
  • the third opening 49 of the toner cartridge E and the second opening 30 of the developing unit D are not opposed to each other.
  • the projection (container portion-to-be-engaged) 56a of the second shutter 53 of the toner cartridge E and the hole portion 33L of the frame 35 of the developing unit D are opposed (engaged) with each other.
  • the projection (container portion-to-be-engaged) 56b of the second shutter 53 of the toner cartridge E and the hole portion 33R on the frame 35 of the developing unit D are opposed (engaged) with each other.
  • the projections (container engaging portions) 45a, 45b of the container frame 47a of the toner cartridge E are opposed (engaged) to the hole portions 37aL, 37aR of the first shutter 37 of the developing unit D.
  • Embodiment 1 at the time when the toner cartridge E is inserted into the developing unit D, the claw portion (shutter side engaging portion) 53b of the second shutter member 53 does not enter the hole portion 33 (part (a) of Figure 1 ). More particularly, by the rotation of the container frame 47a of the toner cartridge E, the claw portion 53b enters the hole portion 33 to establish the engagement (part (c) of Figure 11 ).
  • the shutter side engaging portion receives from the developing unit D the force for moving the second shutter 53 from the closing position to the opening position and the force for moving the second shutter 53 from the opening position to the closing position. This will be described further.
  • the toner cartridge E is moved to a predetermined mounting position of the developing unit D.
  • the third opening 49 of the toner cartridge E can be changed from the closing state (non-communication position, part (a) of Figure 17 ) to the open state (communication position, part (b) of Figure 17 ). More particularly, as shown in Figure 20 , the user rotates in the container frame 47a of the toner cartridge E in the direction indicated by an arrow k1 about a point F.
  • the second shutter 53 is moved relative to the container frame 47a.
  • the second shutter 53 is rotated from the opening position in which at least a part of the third opening 49 is opened to the closing position in which the third opening 49 is substantially closed, using the forces received by the claw portions 56a, 56b.
  • the container frame 47a rotates about the point F in the direction of the arrow k1.
  • the downstream surface 45a1 of the projection 45a of the container frame 47a with respect to the arrow k1 direction pushes the downstream surface 37aL1 of the hole portion 37aL of the first shutter 37 with respect to the arrow k1 direction, in a direction indicated by an arrow c1.
  • the downstream surface 45b1 of the projection 45b of the container frame 47a with respect to the arrow k1 direction pushes the downstream surface 37aR1 of the hole portion 37aR of the first shutter 37, in the direction of the arrow c1.
  • the first shutter 37 changes the second opening 30 of the developing unit D from the closing state to the opening state.
  • the first toner accommodating portion 28 of the developing unit D and the second toner accommodating portion 47t of the toner cartridge E are brought into fluid communication with each other through the communicating portion 58 provided by the part of the second opening 30 and the third opening 49.
  • the toner t can be supplied from the second toner accommodating portion 47t of the toner cartridge E into the first toner accommodating portion 28 of the developing unit D.
  • Part (c) of Figure 24 is a sectional view taken along a line A3 of part (b) of Figure 20 , in which the second opening 30 of the developing unit D and the third opening 49 of the toner cartridge E are in fluid communication with each other.
  • the guide portions 50a, 50b of the container frame 47a are inserted into the gaps 34a1, 34b1 of the frame 35 of the developing unit D, as shown in part (c) of Figure 24 .
  • the opening and closing guide portions 34a, 34b of the frame 35 of the developing unit D enter the gaps 50al, 50b1 of the container frame 47a of the toner cartridge E.
  • a closing operation for changing the relationship between the second opening 30 of the developing unit D and the third opening 49 of the toner cartridge E from the fluid-communication state (part (b) of Figure 20 ) to the closing state (part (a) of Figure 20 ) is the opposite to the opening operation. That is, when the user operates in the direction opposite to that in the case of moving the first shutter 37 and the second shutter 53 to the open state, the container frame 47a of the toner cartridge E rotates about the point F in the direction indicated by an arrow k2 (part (b) of Figure 20 ). At this time, as shown in Figure 23 , the projection 45a of the container frame 47a of the toner cartridge E and the hole portion 37aL of the first shutter 37 of the developing unit D are in engagement with each other. Similarly, the projection 45b of the container frame 47a of the toner cartridge E and the hole portion 37aR of the first shutter 37 of the developing unit D are in engagement with each other.
  • the downstream side surface 45a2 of the projection 45a with respect to the arrow k2 direction pushes the downstream surface 37aL2 of the first shutter 37 with respect to the arrow k2 direction, in the direction indicated by an arrow c2.
  • the downstream side surface 45b2 of the projection 45b with respect to the arrow k2 direction pushes the downstream surface 37aR2 of the hole portion 37aR of the first shutter 37 with respect to the arrow k2 direction, in the direction indicated by the arrow c2. Therefore, the first shutter 37 of the developing unit D moves in the arrow c2 direction.
  • the first shutter 37 of the developing unit D changes the second opening 30 from the open state to the closing state (part (d) of Figure 14 , part (a) of Figure 20 )
  • the second shutter 53 of the toner cartridge E closes the third opening 49, as will be described in the following.
  • the projection 56a of the second shutter 57 is in engagement with the hole portion 33L of the developing unit D.
  • the projection 56b of the second shutter 57 is in engagement with the hole portion 33R of the developing unit D.
  • the projection 56a and the projection 56b of the second shutter 53 are the shutter side engaging portion (force receiving portion) to be engaged with the hole portions 33L, 33R to receive the force for moving the second shutter 57 to the closing position. That is, the projections 56a, 56b are engaged (hooked) with the hole portions 33L, 33R and receive the forces from the hole portions 33L, 33R, by which the movement of the second shutter 57 is limited to move the second shutter 57 relative to the container frame 47a.
  • the third opening 49 is moved from the opening position in which the third opening 49 is at least partly open to the closing position in which the third opening 49 is substantially closed.
  • the container frame 47a rotates relative to the second shutter 57, and at the time when the third opening 49 is closed by the second shutter 57, the point Q of the surface 47b separates from the projections 56a, 56b.
  • the surface 47b is stepped at the point Q, and therefore, when the point Q separates from the projection 56a, the elastic deformation of the arm 56c is released from the surface 47b, and therefore, a part of the projection 56a retracts from the hole portion 33L. That is, by the elastic force of the arm 56c, the projection 56a moves from the engaging position to the retracted position.
  • the projections 56a, 56b do not obstruct the dismounting of the toner cartridge E.
  • the projection 56a and the projection 56b move between the engaging positions and the retracted positions along the surface 47b of the container frame 47a.
  • the surface 47b functions as a guide portion for guiding the projections 56a, 56b from the retracted positions to the engaging positions.
  • the surface 47b functions to guide the projection 56a and the projection 56b from the engaging positions to the retracted positions.
  • Figure 14 is a sectional view schematically illustrating the structure around the communicating portion 58between the developing unit D and the toner cartridge E in this embodiment.
  • Part (a) of Figure 14 illustrates the state in which the second opening 30 in the third opening 49 are aligned with each other. In this state, the first toner accommodating portion 28 of the developing unit D and the second toner accommodating portion 47t of the toner cartridge E are in fluid communication with each other through the communicating portion 58. In such a communicating state, the toner t can be fed from the toner cartridge E into the developing unit D.
  • Part (b) of Figure 14 illustrates the state in which the container frame 47a has been rotated relative to the frame 35 from the state shown in part (a) of Figure 14 . In this state, the area in which the second opening 30 and the third opening 49 are overlapped with each other is small.
  • Part (c) of Figure 14 illustrates the state in which the container frame 47a has been rotated relative to the frame 35 from the state shown in part (b) of Figure 14 . In this state, the second opening 30 and the third opening 49 are not overlapped with each other, thus closing the communicating portion 58. In this state, the first shutter 37 does not completely close of the second opening 30. Similarly, the second shutter 53 does not completely close the third opening 49.
  • part (d) of Figure 14 illustrates the state in which the container frame 47a has been rotated relative to the frame 35 from the state shown in part (c) of Figure 14 .
  • the first shutter 37 and the second shutter 53 completely close the second opening 30 and the third opening 49, respectively.
  • the toner cartridge E is enabled to be removed from the developing unit D.
  • a collection portion 30a is provided in the position downstream of the first shutter 37 for the second opening 30 with respect to the closing direction (arrow c2) in this embodiment.
  • Figure 26 is a schematic view illustrating the communicating portion 58 as seen from the first toner accommodating portion 28 side.
  • a width of the third opening 49 measured in the direction k2 of displacement of the container frame 47a (moving direction c2 of the first shutter 37) is smaller than that of the second opening 30.
  • the moving direction of the third opening 49 relative to the second opening 30 provided by the rotational operation of the container frame 47a is called "displacing direction".
  • a downstream end portion the third opening 49 with respect to the displacing direction is upstream of the downstream end of the second opening 30. That is, when the toner t is fed and supplied through the communicating portion 58, a space area defined by the second opening 30 in the communicating portion 58 is open in the anti-gravity direction relative to the space area defined by the third opening 49.
  • the space provided by expanding to the second opening 30 side of the communicating portion 58 by the size difference between the second opening 30 and the third opening 49 is the collection portion 30a.
  • an upstream surface (upstream side end portion) 49a below the third opening 49 of the frame of the toner cartridge E is inclined such that the second opening 30 of the developing unit D is in a lower position. That is, the upstream surface 49a is a surface area facing in the arrow u1 direction (rotational moving direction of the container frame 47a) in the end surface of the third opening 49, and the first toner accommodating portion 28 (second opening 30) side thereof is lower than the second toner accommodating portion 47 side with respect to the direction of gravity G direction.
  • a supply state is supposed in which during the toner supply from the second toner accommodating portion 47t into the first toner accommodating portion 28, the toner is filled up to the height (up with respect to the direction of gravity G) of the third opening 49 in the communicating portion 58.
  • the toner t supplied from the second toner accommodating portion 47t into the first toner accommodating portion 28 through the communicating portion 58 moves through the communicating portion 58 in the direction from the third opening 49 to the second opening 30. Therefore, the height of an interface is limited by the third opening 49 which is lower than the second opening 30.
  • the second toner feeding member 46 rotating in the direction indicated by the arrow u1 in the toner cartridge E feeds, when reaching the third opening 49, the toner t in the direction indicated by the arrow ua1 which is opposite to the direction G of the gravity.
  • the toner t fed by the second toner feeding member 46 to the third opening 49 is supplied into the developing unit D along an upstream side surface 49a inclined downwardly toward the toner accommodation chamber 28, if the third opening 49 is not filled with the toner t. That is, the second toner feeding member 46 of the toner cartridge E scoops the toner t up to the third opening 30, but does not pack the toner into the developing unit D.
  • the toner t fills the third opening 49 to the top, the toner t is not supplied from the second toner accommodation chamber 47t to the first toner accommodation chamber 28 even though the second toner feeding member 46 is rotated.
  • the collection portion 30a is disposed upstream (upper) the third opening 49 with respect to the direction of gravity G. For this reason, the toner t is not in the collection portion 30a.
  • the container frame 47a of the toner cartridge E is moved in the direction of the arrow k2 (the first shutter 37 moves in the arrow c2 direction) to change the state of the second opening 30 and the third opening 49 from the open state to the closing state (non-fluid-communication state).
  • the upstream surface 49a of the third opening 49 of the container frame 47a of the toner cartridge E with respect to the moving direction (arrow k2) of the container frame 47a move up in the direction of arrow k2 with the movement of the container frame 47a, while collecting the toner t existing in the communicating portion 58.
  • upstream surface 49a of the third opening 49 comes to the same height level as the collection portion 30a of the second opening 30, as shown in part (b) of Figure 14 .
  • the height level is higher than the height of the interface of the toner regulated by the downstream surface opposed to the upstream surface 49a of the third opening 49 in the fluid-communication state shown in part (a) of Figure 14 .
  • the upstream surface 49a of the third opening 49 is inclined in the direction indicated by an arrow g provided by combining an arrow gy parallel with the direction of gravity G and an arrow x perpendicular to the arrow gy and extending in the direction from the second toner accommodating portion 47t toward the first toner accommodating portion 28. Therefore, by this inclination of the upstream surface 49a, the toner t collected up by the upstream surface 49a of the third opening 49 is moved and accommodated into the first toner accommodating portion 28 through the collection portion 30a which is in the space provided above the toner interface in the second opening 30.
  • the toner t collected by the upstream surface 49a of the third opening 49 enters the collection portion 30a before the upstream surface 49a moves beyond the height of the collection portion 30a and reaches the neighborhood of the first sealing member 32. Then, the toner t is collected into the first toner accommodating portion 28 (part (c) of Figure 14 ). Therefore, the deposition of the toner t on the surface of the 32a sealing member 32 can be suppressed. That is, the toner t can be prevented from entering between the first sealing member 32 provided on the developing unit D And the container frame 47a of the toner cartridge E.
  • Figure 25 illustrates a developing unit D1 not having the collection portion 30a and a toner cartridge E1 usable therewith.
  • the developing unit D1 is provided with a second opening 930 defined by the developing device frame 935, and the toner cartridge E1 is provided with a third opening 949 defined by the frame 947a.
  • the sizes and configuration of the second opening 930 and the third opening 949 are substantially the same.
  • the frame 947a the toner accommodating portion 947t is provided.
  • the toner is deposited on the surface of the sealing member 932 In the state that the first shutter 937 and the second shutter 953 close the respective openings.
  • the toner ta deposited on the sealing member 932 may leak to an outside of the developing unit D1 and/or the toner cartridge E1 (part (d) of Figure 25 ).
  • the collection portion 30a is employed, and therefore, such leakage of the toner can be prevented. More particularly, by the rotation of the container frame 47a of the toner cartridge E in the direction of the arrow k2, the toner t is moved in the direction k2. By this, the leakage of the toner to the outside of the frame 35 of the developing unit D and the container frame 47a of the toner cartridge E can be suppressed.
  • the second opening is wider than the third opening toward the downstream with respect to the moving direction of the shutter, by which the leakage of the toner to the outside of the opening portion can be prevented when the opening is closed.
  • the collection portion 30a has been described with this embodiment, the collection portion 30a is provided in the developing unit D in Embodiments 1, 2 as well ( Figure 3 , 13 , part (a)).
  • the sizes of the second opening 30 and the third opening 49 are made different from each other to provide the collection portion 30a.
  • the present invention is not limited to such a structure.
  • the collection portion 30a is provided by positioning the second opening 30 and the third opening 49 with deviation therebetween so that the communicating portion 58 is provided by the partly overlapping area.
  • the sizes and/or the shapes of the openings are not limited to particular ones.
  • the shapes of the openings are rectangular, but may be another shapes, or may have different shapes, if a proper collection portion can be provided.
  • the configuration of the upstream surface 49a of the third opening 49 is inclined such that an inside edge of the upstream a is downstream of an outside edge with respect to the displacing direction of the third opening 49 relative to the second opening 30.
  • the present invention is not limited to such a structure.
  • the third opening 49 displaces relative to the second opening 30.
  • another shape is usable if the upstream side end portion of the third opening 49 with respect to the displacing direction produces a force for pushing the toner from the third opening 49 side to the second opening 30 side.
  • the collection portion 30a in the developing unit D is not inevitable.
  • the collection portion 30a may be omitted, as shown in Figure 25 . That is, in Figure 25 , when the toner cartridge E1 is dismounted from the developing unit D1, the amount of the toner in the toner cartridge E1 and/or the developing unit D1 is small because the toner in the toner cartridge E1 and/or the developing unit D1 has normally been consumed. In such a case, the toner amount in the communicating portion 358 is not large, and therefore, the leakage of the toner upon the dismounting is unlikely even if the collection portion 30a is not provided.
  • the provision of the collection portion 30a as in this embodiment is preferable because the toner leakage can be assuredly suppressed with a simple structure.
  • the toner leakage can be suppressed when the toner cartridge E is dismounted when the toner remains in the toner cartridge E.
  • the collection portion of this embodiment may be provided in the developing unit D.
  • a structure relating to the opening and closing of a shutter in this embodiment will be described. More specifically, the configuration of a second shutter 253 having a snap fit portion 271 and the structure for guiding the second shutter 253 will be described. In addition, the description will be made as to a drive transmission mechanism for improving a sealing property of a seal provided in an end portion of a container frame (frame, cylindrical portion) 247 g constituting the second toner accommodating portion 247t. Furthermore, the description will be made as to a feeding structure for stably supplying the toner t from the toner cartridge E into the developing unit D.
  • the developing unit D and the drum unit C are unified into a cartridge, and the developing unit D is a part of a process cartridge (parts (a) and (b) of Figure 29 ).
  • the developing unit D may be an independent cartridge, or the developing unit D may be fixed in the main assembly of the apparatus.
  • the process cartridge is the receiving device for receiving the toner cartridge E.
  • the receiving device only a portion of the developing unit D which is a part of the process cartridge may be called the receiving device as the case may be.
  • a longitudinal direction of the developing unit D is a direction of an axis of a developing roller 224 of the developing unit D.
  • Figure 29 is a perspective view of the toner cartridge E of the developing unit D as seen from a receiving portion side. Part (a) of Figure 29 illustrates a state in which a second opening (receiving opening) 230 is closed (first shutter 237 is in the closing position), part (b) of Figure 29 illustrates a state in which the second opening 230 is opened (first shutter 237 is in opening position).
  • Figure 30 is an enlarged perspective view of the neighborhood of the receiving portion of the developing unit D for the toner cartridge E. Part (a) of Figure 30 illustrates a state in which the second opening 230 is closed (first shutter 237 is in closing position); and part (b) of Figure 30 illustrates a state in which the second opening 230 is opened (first shutter 237 is in opening position).
  • Figure 31 is a sectional view of a neighborhood of the second opening 230 of the developing unit D. Part (a) of Figure 31 is a sectional view as seen from a driving side, and part (b) of Figure 31 is a sectional view as seen from a non-driving side.
  • the developing unit D is provided with the second opening 230 and the first shutter 237 adjacent to the toner cartridge receiving portion.
  • the second opening 230 and the first shutter 237 are provided substantially at the longitudinal central portion of the developing unit D.
  • the position of the second opening 230 is not limited to a particular position, and it will suffice if it is opposed to a third opening (discharge opening) 249 which will be described hereinafter.
  • the position of the first shutter 237 is not limited to the central portion, it will suffice if the second opening can be covered.
  • the second opening 230 is sealed by the first shutter 237 having a configuration with a curvature along an outer peripheral surface of the toner cartridge E which will be described hereinafter.
  • a hole portion 237a for engagement with a projection (container side projection the open/close member moving portion) 245 ( Figure 32 ) is provided outside a sealing range for the second opening 230.
  • the first shutter 237 is engaged with a first shutter guide portion 234 provided at the opposite longitudinal end portions of the second opening 230 and is guided thereby.
  • the first shutter 237 is slidable along the first shutter guide portion 234 the closing position (part (a) of Figure 29 ) for closing the second opening 230 and the opening position (part (b) of Figure 29 ) for opening the second opening 230.
  • a first locking arm (receiving device side locking member) 261 (part (b) of Figure 30 ) is provided.
  • the first locking arm 261 prevents the first shutter 237 from opening unintentionally.
  • the first locking arm 261 includes a claw portion 261a.
  • the claw portion 261a of the first locking arm 261 is in the same position as the hole portion 237a of the first shutter 237 with respect to the longitudinal direction of the developing unit D.
  • a surface 261b of the claw portion 261a abuts to a surface 237b of the hole portion 237a of the first shutter 237. By this, the claw portion 261a suppresses unintentional opening of the first shutter 237.
  • a first sealing seal 232 for sealing between the first shutter 237 and the second opening 230. The first sealing seal 232 surrounds the second opening 230.
  • the opposite longitudinal ends of the developing unit D are provided with an insertion guide (non-driving side) and an insertion guide (driving side) 236d for guiding the insertion of the toner cartridge E, respectively.
  • the developing unit D is provided with an abutted portion (non-driving side) 235a and an abutted portion (driving side) 236a to be abutted by an abutting portion (non-driving side) 242a and an abutting portion (driving side) 243a ( Figure 32 ) of the toner cartridge E.
  • the end side provided with the driving portion such as a gear (first drive transmitting portion 238, for example) is called driving side.
  • the other end side is called non-driving side.
  • drive means the driving side.
  • non means the non-driving side.
  • a rotation guide portion (non) 235b and a rotation guide portion (drive) 236b for guiding the rotation of the toner cartridge E when the first shutter 237 and the second shutter (open/close member) 253 which will be described hereinafter are opened and closed,
  • the insertion guide portions 235, 236 are guides (receiving device side guide portions) for guiding mounting and dismounting of the toner cartridge E.
  • the insertion-guiding portion (non) 235d and the insertion guide (drive) 236d are provided with flat surfaces parallel with each other along an inserting direction f (part (a) of Figure 29 ) of the toner cartridge E.
  • the abutted portion (non) 235a and the rotation guide portion (non) 235b are disposed downstream of the insertion-guiding portion 235d (non) with respect to the inserting direction f.
  • the abutted portion 236a (drive) and a rotation guide (drive) 236b are disposed downstream of the insertion guide (drive) 236d with respect to the inserting direction f.
  • the developing unit D is provided with the first drive transmitting portion 238 at one end portion of the developing unit D with respect to the longitudinal direction.
  • the first drive transmitting portion 238 transmits driving forces to the second drive transmitting portion 248 ( Figure 32 ) and the second toner feeding means 246 ( Figure 35 ) through an idler gear (rotational force receiving portion) 250 of the toner cartridge E which will be described hereinafter.
  • the first drive transmitting portion 238 is connected with a driving mechanism of the main assembly of the image forming apparatus inside the developing unit D, by a gear (unshown) as transmitting means.
  • the first drive transmitting portion 238 is a gear and are a rotational force transmitting portion for transmitting a rotational force for driving the second toner feeding member 246 to the toner cartridge E.
  • the idler gear 250 is a rotational force receiving portion for receiving the rotational force from an outside of the toner cartridge E (first drive transmitting portion 238 of developing unit D).
  • the second drive transmitting portion 248 is a second rotational force receiving portion for receiving a rotational force (driving force) from the idler gear 250.
  • Shutter holding portion 263 is provided with a locking hole 263a.
  • the release claw 262 functions to release the second locking arm 270 ( Figure 34 ) for preventing unintentional opening of the second shutter 253 of the toner cartridge E, as will be described hereinafter.
  • the shutter holding portion 263 contacts to the claw portion (first engaging portion) 271a or the projection (second engaging portion) 271b of the snap fit portion 271 provided on the second shutter 253 of the toner cartridge E, as will be described hereinafter ( Figure 42 ).
  • the rotation of the second shutter 253 container (developer accommodating container, toner accommodating container) 247 which will be described hereinafter, by being dragged by the second shutter 253 is prevented.
  • Figure 32 is a perspective view of the toner cartridge E.
  • Part (a) of Figure 32 is a perspective view as seen from the second drive transmitting portion 248, and part (b) of Figure 32 is a perspective view as seen from the opposite side.
  • Figure 33 illustrates a state in which the third opening 249 of the toner cartridge E is opened.
  • Part (a) of Figure 33 is an enlarged view of the neighborhood of the third opening 249
  • part (b) of Figure 33 is a sectional view of the neighborhood of the third opening 249 as seen from the non-driving side of the toner cartridge E.
  • Figure 34 illustrates the second shutter 253.
  • Figure 35 illustrates a relationship between the second toner feeding member 246 and the container 247.
  • Part (a) of Figure 35 illustrates a configuration of a sheet 246a of the second toner feeding member 246.
  • Part (b) of Figure 35 illustrates a section of a stirring shaft seal 264.
  • Part (c) of Figure 35 is a sectional enlarged view illustrating a relationship between the second drive transmitting portion 248 and the stirring shaft seal 264.
  • Figure 36 is an enlarged sectional view of the hole portion 252a of the second shutter guide portion (opening and closing) 252 cut from the third opening 29 in the state that the second shutter 253 is assembled with the toner cartridge E.
  • Part (a) of Figure 36 shows the state in which the second shutter 253 is closed
  • part (b) of Figure 36 shows the state in which the second shutter 253 is opened.
  • the second shutter guide portion 252 is depicted by broken lines for better showing of the second locking arm 270.
  • Figure 37 is a perspective view illustrating the state before the toner cartridge E is inserted into the developing unit D.
  • the toner cartridge E comprises the container 247, the third opening 249, the second shutter 253, the second sealing member 254, the second drive transmitting portion (gear 248), the idler gear 250 and the stirring shaft seal 264.
  • the longitudinal direction a toner cartridge E is a rotational axis direction of the second toner feeding member 246.
  • the longitudinal direction of the toner cartridge E is the longitudinal direction of the container 247 and the second shutter 253, as well.
  • the longitudinal direction of the toner cartridge E is the rotational axis direction of the container 247.
  • the second shutter 253 opens and closes the opening by rotating around the container 247.
  • the longitudinal direction of the toner cartridge E is the rotational axis direction of the second shutter 253.
  • the container 247 is a substantially cylindrical hollow member. That is, the frame (container frame 247g) constituting the main body portion (major part) of the container 247 is substantially cylindrical. Assuming that the container 247 is a cylinder, the longitudinal direction of the toner cartridge E is a generatrix direction of the cylindrical or a center axis direction of the cylindrical.
  • the container frame 247 g includes a flat surface portion, and a curved surface portion (arcuate portion) having a substantially cylindrical (substantially arcuate configuration) at least around the third opening 249 (part (b) of Figure 33 , and so on).
  • the second shutter 253 rotates along the curved surface portion to open and close the third opening 249.
  • the container frame (cylindrical portion) 247 g is a hollow member and constitutes a toner accommodating portion (toner accommodation chamber) 247t for accommodating the toner.
  • the container 247 is provided with a projection (container side projection or protrusion for engagement with the hole portion 237a of the first shutter 237 on the outer periphery of the container frame 247g.
  • the container 247 (container frame 247g) is provided with an abutment surface 247c for abutment to the abutment surface 237b ( Figure 30 ) of the first shutter 237 in the process of opening and closing of the first shutter 237.
  • the abutment surface 247c is provided by a stepped portion formed on the frame (container frame 247g) of the container 247 and is a surface crossing with the rotational moving direction of the toner cartridge E (rotational moving direction of second shutter 252). It is an elongated surface extending in the longitudinal direction (axial direction) of the toner cartridge E.
  • the abutment surface 247c is an opening force applying portion (open/close member moving portion) for applying a force for opening the first shutter 237 to the first shutter 237 to move the first shutter 237 to the opening position, as will be described in detail hereinafter.
  • the abutment surface 247c is provided in the neighborhood of a free end of the second shutter 253 (main body portion 253m of shutter when the second shutter 253 is in the closing position.
  • the second toner accommodating portion 247t is provided with a second toner feeding member 246 for feeding the toner.
  • one end portion of the second toner feeding member 246 is rotatably supported by the container 247, and the other end portion thereof is rotatably supported by the second drive transmitting portion 248 for driving the second toner feeding member 246.
  • the stirring shaft seal 264 has a hollow cylindrical shape, and the outer diameter d1 thereof is slightly larger than the inner diameter d2 of the container frame 247g.
  • the inner diameter d3 of the stirring shaft seal 264 is slightly smaller than the outer diameter d4 of the cylindrical portion 248b of the second drive transmitting portion 248.
  • a width w1 of the stirring shaft seal 264 in the spontaneous state is larger than a distance between the sealing surface 248a of the second drive transmitting portion 248 and the seal abutment surface 247f of the container frame 247 at the time when the second drive transmitting portion 248 is positioned in place in the container frame 247g.
  • the stirring shaft seal 264 is sandwiched between the sealing surface 248a of the second drive transmitting portion 248 and the seal abutment surface 247a of the container 247 in the container frame 247 g of the container 247.
  • the container 247 is provided with an idler gear 250 for drive transmission with the second drive transmission member 248.
  • the second drive transmitting portion 248 and the idler gear 250 of this embodiment are helical gears, and second drive transmitting portion 248 is biased in the inward direction (the direction indicated by an arrow r4 in part (c) of Figure 35 ) with respect to the longitudinal direction of the toner cartridge E, during the drive transmission.
  • the second toner feeding member 246 comprises a feeding shaft 246a and a flexible sheet 246b.
  • the sheet 246b is provided with a slit (part (a) of Figure 35 ) to move the toner accommodated in the second toner accommodating portion 247t container 247 toward the third opening 249.
  • a slit part (a) of Figure 35
  • the third opening 249 is provided in the longitudinally central portion of the toner cartridge E on the circumference of the container 247 (container frame 247g).
  • the position of the third opening 249 may be any if it is opposed to the second opening 230 of the developing unit D.
  • the longitudinally opposite end of the third opening 249 of the toner cartridge E are provided with second shutter guide portions 252 for guiding the movement of the second shutter 253, respectively.
  • the hole portion 252a is provided in a part of the second shutter guide portion 252.
  • the main body portion (main body portion 253m of shutter) of the second shutter 253 is curved with the curvature along the outer peripheral surface of the toner cartridge E. That is, the second shutter 253 (main body portion 253m of shutter) has a curved surface configuration (substantially arcuate configuration) extending along the container 247.
  • the container 247 (container frame 247g) has a curved surface (substantially cylindrical, substantially arcuate) around the third opening 249 (part (b) of Figure 33 ).
  • the second shutter 253 is reciprocable along the curved surface portion (arcuate portion) of the container 247 provided around the third opening 249. That is, the second shutter 253 rotates (revolves) on the container 247. By this, the second shutter 253 can open and close the third opening 249.
  • the second shutter 253 is provided with a second locking arm (arm portion) 270 on the outside of a second sealing seal 254 which will be described hereinafter, with respect to the longitudinal direction and is provided with snap fit portions (arm portions) 271 at the opposite end portions outside of the second locking arm 270 with respect to the longitudinal direction.
  • the second locking arm 270 is provided between the main body portion 253m of the shutter and the snap fit portion 271, and extends from a trailing end side toward the leading end side of the main body portion 253m of the shutter.
  • the second locking arm has an elastic portion and is elastically deformable.
  • the two snap fit portions 271 are connected with the opposite end portions of the main body portion (main body portion 253m of shutter) of the second shutter 253, respectively.
  • the two second locking arms 270 are connected with the opposite end portions of the main body portion 253m of the shutter.
  • the main body portion 253m of the shutter is a portion (closing portion) for substantially closing the third opening 249.
  • the snap fit portion 271 is movable relative to the main body portion 253m of the shutter by deformation.
  • the second locking arm 270 is movable relative to the main body portion 253m of the shutter by deformation, as well.
  • the snap fit portion 271 may be molded integrally with the main body portion 253 of the shutter from the resin material, or may be formed by a separate member (metal leaf spring, for example).
  • the second locking arm 270 is provided with an abutted surface 270a to be abutted by the release claw 262 ( Figure 30 ) of the developing unit D.
  • the second locking arm 270 is provided with a claw portion 270b engageable with the hole portion 252a ( Figure 32 ) of the second shutter guide portion 252 of the toner cartridge E.
  • the second locking arm 270 is molded integrally with the main body portion 253m of the shutter from a resin material, but the second locking arm 270 may be formed by mounting a member (metal member, for example) different from the main body portion 253m of the shutter.
  • the abutted surface 270a of the second locking arm 270 is an inclined portion (inclined surface) inclined toward the main body portion 253m as the distance to the free end of the second locking arm 270 decreases.
  • the claw portion 270b is a projection (protrusion) projecting at least outwardly with respect to the longitudinal direction of the toner cartridge E.
  • the snap fit portion 271 is provided with an arm portion 271c elastically deformable in the longitudinal direction of the second shutter 253 and the toner cartridge E.
  • the snap fit portion 271 is provided at the free end of the arm portion 271c and includes a claw portion (projection, protrusion, engaging portion) 271a projecting radially outwardly of the second shutter 253 (radial outward).
  • the claw portion 271a and the projection 271b constitute an engaging portion (open/close member side engaging portion) for engagement with the developing unit D.
  • the arm portion 271c of the snap fit portion 271 By the arm portion 271c of the snap fit portion 271, the claw portion 271a (or projection 271b) is connected with the main body portion 253m of the shutter ( Figure 34 ).
  • the arm portion 271c of the snap fit portion 271 constitutes a connecting portion for connection of the claw portion 271a and the projection 271b with the main body portion 253 of the shutter.
  • the arm portion 271c of the snap fit portion 271 is a supporting portion for supporting the engaging portion (claw portion 271a and projection 271b).
  • the arm portion 271c has an elastic portion which is elastically deformable. That is, the arm portion 271c is elastically deformable.
  • the snap fit portion 271 extends from the trailing end side toward the free end side of the main body portion 253m of the shutter.
  • the free end side of the main body portion 253 of the shutter is the downstream side with respect to the rotational moving direction (moving direction) of the second shutter 253 rotating from the opening position to the closing position.
  • the trailing end side of the main body portion 253 of the shutter is the upstream side with respect to the rotational moving direction.
  • the claw portion 271a projects at least in the radially outward direction of the container 247 (radially outward of the second shutter 253)
  • the radially outward direction of the second shutter 253 is the radially outward direction of the container 247, and is an outward in the rotational radius direction of the rotation locus of the second shutter 253.
  • the radial outward direction is in the outward direction of the container 247 (toward the outside of the container 247), and is away from the container 247 or the rotational axis (center axis) of the container 247.
  • the radially outward direction is away from the second toner feeding member 246 or the rotational axis of the second toner feeding member 246.
  • the projection 271b is a projection projecting at least in a circumferential direction of the container 247 (rotational moving direction of second shutter 253). More particularly, in the rotational moving direction (opening direction) of the second shutter 253 relative to the container 247 from the closing position to the opening position, the projection 271b projects toward the downstream side.
  • the second shutter 253 includes the claw portion (first engaging portion) 271a and the projection (second engaging portion) 271b as the engaging portion, and the claw portion 271a and the projection 271b are projected in the directions different from each other (crossing directions relative to each other).
  • the snap fit portion 271 (arm portion 271c) has a width which increases toward the free end side. That is, in the longitudinal end portion side, the snap fit portion 271 is provided with a first regulated surface 271d to be regulated and a second regulated surface 271e to be regulated and a third regulated surface 271f to be rotated.
  • the first regulated surface 271d is an inclined surface (inclined portion) inclined toward an outside with respect to the longitudinal direction as the distance to the free end of the arm portion 271c decreases.
  • the second third regulated surfaces 271e, 271f are the surfaces extending substantially in parallel with the direction in which the arm portion 271c extends. A distance between the regulation surface 271e and the regulation surface 271f is larger than a width of the trailing end side (base portion side) of the arm portion 271c.
  • the first and the second regulated surfaces 271d, 271e contact a first regulation surface 247d of the container 247 (part (a) of Figure 33 ), as will be described hereinafter.
  • the third regulated surface 271f contacts a second regulation surface 247e of the container 247 (part (a) of Figure 33 ).
  • the second shutter 253 is engaged with the second shutter guide portion (opening and closing guide) the of the toner cartridge E. It is slidable in the circumferential direction of the container 247 along the outer peripheral surface of the toner cartridge E between a position for closing the third opening 249 (part (a) of Figure 32 ) and the position for opening the third opening 249 (part (b) of Figure 32 ).
  • the claw portion 270b is a locking portion for locking the second shutter 253 in the closing position.
  • the claw portion 270b is connected with the main body portion 253m of the shutter. That is, the second locking arm 270 (trailing end side of the second locking arm 270 beyond the claw portion 270b strictly stating) is the connecting portion connecting the claw portion 270b with the main body portion 253m of the shutter and is the supporting portion for supporting the claw portion 270b.
  • the toner cartridge E is provided and longitudinally opposite end portions with an insertion-guided portion (non) 242 and an insertion-guided portion (drive) 243, respectively.
  • the insertion-guided portion (non) and the insertion-guided portion (drive) 243 are guided by the insertion guide (non) 235d and the insertion guides (drive) 236d of the developing unit D, respectively.
  • Insertion-guided portions 242, 243 to be guided for insertion are toner cartridge side guides.
  • the insertion-guided portion (non) is provided with the abutting portion (non) 242a and the rotation-guided portion (non) 242b.
  • the abutting portion (non) 242a abuts to the abutted portion (non) 235a of the developing unit D when the toner cartridge E is inserted.
  • the portion around the abutting portion (non) 242a is formed as a rotation-guided portion (toner cartridge side rotation guide) having a curved surface configuration (substantially arcuate configuration).
  • the insertion-guided portion (drive) 243 is provided with the abutting portion (drive) 243a.
  • the abutting portion (drive) 243a abuts to the abutted portion (drive) 236a of the developing unit D in the insertion of the toner cartridge E.
  • the insertion-guided portion (non) 242 is provided with a regulating portion 242c1 and a regulating portion 242c2 as an attitude regulating portion for regulating the insertion attitude (dismounting attitude) of the toner cartridge E when toner cartridge E is inserted.
  • the regulating portion 242c1 and the regulating portion 242c2 are inserting direction regulating portions (mounting direction regulating portions, dismounting direction regulating portions, removing direction regulating portions) for regulating the inserting direction (mounting direction) and/or dismounting direction of the toner cartridge E.
  • the container 247 is provided with the grip member 244 as the grip to be gripped by the user when the toner cartridge E is mounted.
  • the grip member 244 is U -shaped fixed at the opposite longitudinal end portions of the container 247.
  • the grip member 244 includes fixed portions 244a at the opposite end portions of the operating portion 244b to be gripped by the user.
  • the fixed portion 244a has a U -shaped fixed to the second toner container 247 at the opposite longitudinal ends of the toner cartridge E.
  • the shape of the grip member 244 is not limited to this example if the user can grip it.
  • Figure 28 illustrates movement of the second shutter 253 up to the uncovering of the third opening 249 and a positional relationship in the neighborhood of the snap fit portion 271.
  • Part (a) of Figure 28 and part (d) of Figure 28 are enlarged views of the neighborhood of the second shutter 253, showing the process of insertion of the toner cartridge E into the developing unit D.
  • Part (a) of Figure 28 is a view of the second shutter 253 as seen from the front side
  • part (d) of Figure 28 is a sectional view of the third opening 249 as seen from the non-driving side.
  • Part (b) of Figure 28 is an enlarged view of a neighborhood of the second shutter 253in the state in which the leading side surface 253c of the second shutter 253 abuts to the abutment surface 239 of the developing unit D after the rotation of the toner cartridge E in the direction of uncovering the third opening 249 by further rotation from the state shown in part (a) of Figure 28 .
  • Part (b) of Figure 28 and part (e) of Figure 28 are views of the second shutter 253 as seen from the front side, and part (e) of Figure 28 is a sectional view of the third opening 249 as seen from the non-driving side.
  • Part (c) of Figure 28 and part (f) of Figure 28 are enlarged views of the neighborhood of the second shutter 253in the state in which the second opening 230 and the third opening 249 are in fluid communication with each other and the mounting of the toner cartridge E is completed, by further rotation from the state of part (b) of Figure 28 .
  • Part (c) of Figure 28 is a view of the second shutter 253 as seen from the front side
  • part (f) of Figure 28 is a sectional view of the third opening 249 as seen from the non-driving side.
  • Part (a) of Figure 38 is a sectional view of the first locking arm 261 of the developing unit D as seen from the non-driving side immediately before the toner cartridge E is inserted into the developing unit D.
  • Part (b) of Figure 38 and part (c) of Figure 38 are sectional views of the first locking arm 261 of the developing unit D as seen from the non-driving side when the toner cartridge E is inserted into the developing unit D.
  • Figure 39 is a sectional view of the second locking arm 270 of the second shutter 253 and the hole portion 252a of the second shutter guide portion 252 as cut from the front side of the second shutter 253 when the toner cartridge E is inserted into the developing unit D.
  • Part (a) of Figure 39 illustrates a state immediately after the insertion of the toner cartridge E into the developing unit D.
  • Part (b) of Figure 39 illustrates a state that the toner cartridge E is rotated in the direction of uncovering the third opening 249 at the insertion of the toner cartridge E into the developing unit D.
  • Figure 40 shows the positional relation in the neighborhood of the snap fit portion 271 of the second shutter 253 until the third opening 249 is uncovered.
  • Part (a) of Figure 40 shows a relationship between the snap fit portion 270 and the shutter holding portion 263 in the state shown in part (e) of Figure 28 .
  • Part (c) of Figure 40 shows a relationship between the snap fit portion 270 and the shutter holding portion 263 in the state of part (c) of Figure 28 and part (f) of Figure 28 .
  • Part (b) of Figure 40 shows a relationship between the snap fit portion 270 and the shutter holding portion 263 at the timing between the state of part (a) of Figure 40 and part (c) of Figure 40 .
  • Part (d) of Figure 40 shows a relationship between the snap fit portion 270 and the first regulating portion 247d of the container 247 in the state shown in part (a) of Figure 40 .
  • Part (e) of Figure 40 shows a relationship between the snap fit portion 270 and the first regulating portion 247d of the container 247 in the state shown in part (b) of Figure 40 .
  • Part (f) of Figure 40 shows a relationship between the snap fit portion 270 and the first regulating portion 247d of the container 247 in the state shown in part (c) of Figure 40 .
  • Figure 41 illustrates the neighborhood of the snap fit portion 271 of the second shutter 253 in the state of part (f) of Figure 28 .
  • Figure 42 illustrates a state in which the leading side surface 253c of the second shutter 253 abutted to the abutment surface 239 of the developing unit D, and the second shutter 253 is limited by the developing unit D.
  • Part (a) of Figure 42 shows a relationship in the longitudinal direction between the snap fit portion 271 of the second shutter 253 and the locking holding portion 263 of the developing unit D.
  • Part (b) of Figure 42 shows a positional relationship, in the rotational direction of the toner cartridge E, between the snap fit portion 271 of the second shutter 253 in the locking holding portion 263 of the developing unit D.
  • Figure 43 illustrates a positional relation between the first drive transmitting portion 238 of the developing unit D and the idler gear 250 as seen from the driving side in the mounting process of the toner cartridge E.
  • Part (a) of Figure 43 shows the state in which the second shutter 253 is closed during the insertion of the toner cartridge E
  • part (b) of Figure 43 shows the state in which the second shutter 253 is opened by the completion of the mounting of the toner cartridge E.
  • Figure 44 is a sectional view of the neighborhood of the second opening 230 and the third opening 249 as seen from the driving side in the state shown in part (b) of Figure 43 .
  • part (a) of Figure 40 part (b) of Figure 40 and Figure 42 , the parts which are not significantly related with the operations of the second locking arm 270 and/or the snap fit portion 271 are omitted for simplicity of explanation.
  • the insertion process of the toner cartridge E into the developing unit D in this embodiment is similar to that of Embodiment 1. Therefore, the description will be made in detail as to the opening and closing of the first shutter 237 and the second shutter 253 after the positioning of the toner cartridge E in the developing unit D.
  • the surface 245c of the projection 245 of the container 247 contact and the surface 261c of the first locking arm 261 of the developing unit D.
  • the first locking arm 261 receives a force F11 from the projection 245 of the container 247 to elastically deform in the direction of the arrow r1.
  • the claw portion 261a of the first locking arm 261 is disengaged from the hole portion 237a of the first shutter 237.
  • the limitation to the movement of the first shutter 237 in the direction of an arrow e by the contact between the surface 237a2 of the hole portion 237a and the surface 261b of the first locking arm 261 is released, so that the first shutter 237 becomes movable relative to the second opening 230.
  • the projection 245 is a release portion for releasing the locking the state of the first shutter 237 caused by the contact (engagement) with the hole portion 237a.
  • the insertion attitude and direction of the toner cartridge E is regulated such that by the insertion of the toner cartridge E into the developing unit D, the projection 245 is engaged with (enter) the hole portion 237a to contact the first locking arm 261. That is, the attitude and/or the inserting direction of the toner cartridge E relative to the developing unit D is regulated by the insertion-guided portion (non) 242 and the insertion guide (non) 235d.
  • the projection 245 separates from the first locking arm 261. Therefore, the elastic deformation of the first locking arm 261 is freed to cause the first locking arm 261 to engage with the hole portion 237a, thus blocking the first shutter 237 again.
  • the second locking arm 270 elastically deforms in a direction indicated by arrow r2 (longitudinally inwardly of the toner cartridge E).
  • the claw portion 270b of the second locking arm 270 is disengaged from the hole portion 252a of the second shutter guide portion 252. That is, by the force received by the abutment surface 270a from the release claw 362, the claw portion 270b is moved from the locking position (part (a) of Figure 39 ) for locking the second shutter 253 in the closing position to the unlocking position (part (b) of Figure 39 ) for releasing it.
  • the abutment surface 270a is a release force receiving portion for receiving the force for moving the claw portion 270b (locking portion) from the developing unit D by the rotation of the toner cartridge E during the mounting operation.
  • the abutment surface 270a is an inclined portion (inclined surface) inclining longitudinally inwardly as the distance to the free end of the second shutter 253 (free end of the second locking arm 270) decreases. Because of the inclination of the abutment surface 270a, the force (F12) received from the release claw 262 comprises a longitudinally inward component (F12x).
  • the second shutter 253 becomes movable in the direction of the arrow e relative to the third opening 249 of the container 247. More particularly, by the leading side surface 253c of the second shutter 253 receiving the force from the abutment surface (force applying portion) 239 of the developing unit D, the second shutter 253 rotates relative to the container 247 from the closing position to the opening position.
  • the leading side surface 235c of the second shutter 253 is an opening force receiving portion for receiving the force for moving the second shutter 253 from the closing position to the opening position, from an outside of the toner cartridge E (from the developing unit D).
  • the second locking arm 270 (claw portion 270b) is substantially covered by the second shutter guide portion 252, and therefore, the locking by the second locking arm 270 is not easily released inadvertently by the user.
  • Second shutter guide portion 252 functions also as a cover portion covering the second locking arm 270 (claw portion 270b).
  • the release claw of the developing unit D enters between the second shutter guide portion 252 and the container frame 247g.
  • the release claw 662 is engaged with the second shutter guide portion 252.
  • the positional relation of the claw portion 271a of the snap fit portion 271 relative to the locking hole 263a of the shutter holding portion 263 of the developing unit D is as shown in part (b) of Figure 42 .
  • the claw portion 271a is downstream of the locking hole 263a with respect to the rotational moving direction of the toner cartridge E (arrow e direction in part (b) of Figure 42 ) at the time when the third opening 249 is opened.
  • the abutted surface 237b ( Figure 30 ) of the first shutter 237 abuts to the abutment surface 247c ( Figures 32 , 38 ).
  • the first shutter 237 is pressed by the container 247 to receive a force F13 in the rotational direction of the toner cartridge E.
  • the first locking arm 261 limiting the movement of the first shutter 237 is released.
  • the first shutter 237 rotates integrally with the container 247 in the direction of opening the second opening 230 (arrow e in Figure 28 ). Then, the first shutter 237 move in the order of part (d) of Figure 28 , part (e) of Figure 28 and part (f) of Figure 28 .
  • part (c) of Figure 28 , part (d) of Figure 40 and part (e) of Figure 40 illustrates the state in which the second regulated surface 271e of the snap fit portion 271 and the first regulation 247d of the container 247 are in abutment to each other.
  • the positions of the claw portion 271a of the snap fit portion 271 and the projection 271b are overlapped with the shutter holding portion 263 with respect to the longitudinal direction of the toner cartridge E.
  • the relationship between the claw portion 271a and the projection 271b is in the engaging position.
  • Claw portion 271a of the snap fit portion 271 is downstream (arrow e direction) of the shutter holding portion 263 of the developing unit D with respect to the rotational direction of the toner cartridge E at the time when the third opening 249 is opened.
  • the snap fit portion 271 elastically deforms (operates) in the order of the state of part (a) of Figure 28 , the state of part (b) of Figure 28 and the state of part (c) of Figure 28 .
  • the first regulation 247d is the moving portion (engaging position moving portion) for moving the claw portion 271a and the projection 271b longitudinally inwardly (inward with respect to the axial direction).
  • the first regulation 247d urges the first regulated surface 271d when the second shutter 253 moved to the opening position (when the toner cartridge E is rotated for mounting).
  • the claw portion 271a is moved to the engaging position for engagement with the shutter holding portion 263, and the projection 271b is also moved to the engaging position for engagement with the locking hole 263a.
  • the first regulation surface 247d is the guiding portion for guiding the claw portion 271a and the projection 271b from the retracted position to the engaging position through the first regulated surface 271d.
  • the first regulation surface 247d is an urging portion (pressing portion) for urging or pressing the claw portion 271a and the projection 271b toward the engaging position through the first regulated surface 271d.
  • first regulation surface 247d urges the second regulated surface 271e longitudinally inwardly when the second shutter 253 moves to the opening position.
  • first regulation surface 247d holds the engaging portion (claw portion 271a, claw portion 271a) in the engaging position.
  • the first regulation surface 247d is the engaging position holding portion.
  • the first regulation surface 247d urges the first regulated surface provided on the supporting portion (arm portion 271c) supporting the engaging portion (claw portion 271a, projection 271b) and the second regulated surfaces 271d, 271e, thus urging the engaging portion through the arm portion 271c.
  • first regulation surface 247d contacts directly to the engaging portion (claw portion 271a, projection 271b) to urge the engaging portion.
  • the engaging portion (claw portion 271a, 271b) of the second shutter 253 moves axially inwardly by not less than 2.3 mm. That is, the movement distance (movement distance) measured along the axial direction (longitudinal direction) when the engaging portion moves from the retracted position to the engaging position is not less than 2.3 mm.
  • the curved surface portions (rotation-guided portions) at the opposite end portions of the insertion-guided portion 242 is engaged with the rotation-guide portion 235b.
  • the toner cartridge E is limited in the movement, in the state the second opening 230 and the third opening 249 are opened.
  • the details structures they are similar to those of Embodiment 1, and the description thereof is omitted.
  • the idler gear 250 and the first drive transmitting portion 238 are not connected with each other, but the idler gear 250 is connected with the second drive transmitting portion 248 only.
  • the position of the idler gear 250 in the mounting process of the toner cartridge E is upstream of the first drive transmitting portion 238 with respect to the mounting rotating direction (arrow e in Figure 43 ) of the toner cartridge E.
  • the idler gear 250 approaches to the first drive transmitting portion 238.
  • the idler gear 250 is connected (engaged) with the first drive transmitting portion 238.
  • the drive transmission from the developing unit D to the second toner feeding member 246 is enabled (in part (b) of Figure 43 ). That is, by the rotation of the toner cartridge E, the idler gear 250 can receive the rotational force.
  • the second drive transmitting portion 248 and the idler gear 250 are helical gears. Therefore, by the thrust force produced in the drive transmission, the second drive transmitting portion 248 is moved longitudinally inwardly of the toner cartridge E (arrow r4 direction in part (c) of Figure 35 ). Therefore, in the drive transmission, the positioning surface 248c of the second drive transmitting portion 248 abuts to the surface 247g1 of the container frame 247g, so that the position is determined.
  • the stirring shaft seal 264 is sandwiched by the 247f of the container 247 and the sealing surface 248a of the second drive transmitting portion 248. Therefore, the stirring shaft seal 264 is compressed in the longitudinal direction of the toner cartridge E.
  • a hermetical property for the space between the cylindrical portion 248b of the second drive transmitting portion 248 and the container frame 247 g of the container 247 can be enhanced. Therefore, the leakage of the toner from the inside of the container 247 in the neighborhood of the second drive transmitting portion 248 can be suppressed.
  • the first drive transmitting portion 238 of the developing unit D rotates in a direction indicated by an arrow q in part (b) of Figure 43 .
  • the external force F16 applied at the time when the driving force is transmitted from the first drive transmitting portion 238 of the developing unit D a moment M1 is produced for the toner cartridge E.
  • the direction of the moment M1 is the same as the rotational direction (arrow e) of the container 247 in opening the third opening 249.
  • the rotational moving direction (arrow u) of the idler gear 250 is the same as the rotational moving direction (arrow e) of the container 247 at the time when the third opening 249 of the toner cartridge E is opened.
  • the rotational moving direction of the idler gear (arrow u) is the same as the rotational moving direction (arrow e) in the rotation of the second shutter from the opening position to the closing position relative to the container 247.
  • the rotational directions of the second drive transmitting portion 248 and the second toner feeding member 246 are to move the toner upwardly (arrow d in Figure 44 ) with respect to the direction of gravity (arrow G) at the third opening 249.
  • Part (a) of Figure 45 is a longitudinal sectional view showing the relationship between the configuration of the sheet 246b of the second toner feeding member 246 and the container 247.
  • Part (b) of Figure 45 is a sectional view showing a relationship between the configuration of the sheet 246b of the second toner feeding member 246 in the neighborhood of the third opening 249 and the container 247.
  • Part (c) of Figure 45 is an enlarged view of a part of the sheet 246b.
  • Part (d) of Figure 45 is a sectional view illustrating the motion of the second toner feeding member 246 during the rotation.
  • the toner in the toner cartridge E is fed into the developing unit D through the third opening 249 and the second opening 230 which are in fluid communication with each other by the second feeding member 246.
  • the second feeding member 246 rotates inside the toner cartridge E by the driving force received through the first drive transmitting portion 238 of the developing unit D, the idler gear 250 and the second drive transmitting portion 248.
  • the rotational direction of the second feeding member 246 is the direction of moving the toner upwardly at the third opening 249 (arrow d in part (b) of Figure 45 ).
  • the sheet 246b of the second toner feeding member 246 (part (a) of Figure 45 ) is provided with a plurality of slits.
  • the slits of the sheet 246b of the second toner feeding member 246 are symmetrically arranged with respect to the center of the third opening 249.
  • the slits are inclined inwardly with respect to the longitudinal direction of the sheet 246b from the widthwise center of the sheet 246b toward the free end. More particularly, as shown in part (a) of Figure 45 , a point 246b2 at the free end of the sheet 246b is longitudinally inward of a point 246b1 at the central portion with respect to the widthwise direction.
  • a widthwise shape in the longitudinal direction of the sheet 246b is along the inside surface of the container 247 with slight fictitious intrusion.
  • a width w3 is a distance from the rotational center S of the second toner feeding member 246 of the sheet 246b to the widthwise free end (246b3, 246b4).
  • a distance w5 is a distance from the rotational center S of the second toner feeding member 246 of the container 247 to a point 247h1 on an internal wall surface of the container 247 measured in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction.
  • the width w3 is larger than the distance w5.
  • a width w4 is a distance from the rotational center S of the second toner feeding member 246 of the sheet 246b to the widthwise free end 246b7.
  • a distance w6 is a distance from the rotational center S of the second toner feeding member 246 of the container 247 to a point 247h2 on the internal wall surface of the container 247 measured in the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction.
  • the width w4 is larger than the distance w6.
  • the second feeding member 246 contacts the toner inside the container 247 or the inner wall of the container 247. Then, the longitudinally inward point 246b4 at the free end deforms more than the point 246b3 at the free end of the sheet 246b in the direction of the arrow d ( Figure 45 ). Referring to part (c) of Figure 45 , this will be further described.
  • the point 246b3 and the point 246b4 are on the free end of the sheet 246b with respect to the widthwise direction of the sheet 246b.
  • the point 246b4 is closer to the third opening 249 (part (a) of Figure 45 ) than the point 246b3 in the longitudinal direction.
  • a support point 246b5 is the closest force receiving support point when a force in the downward direction perpendicular to the sheet of the drawing is applied to the point 246b3 of the sheet 246b, and a distance r10 is the distance between the point 246b3 and the support point 246b5.
  • a support point 246b6 is the closest force receiving support point when a force is applied to the point 246b4 of the sheet 246b, and a distance r11 is in the distance between the point 246b4 and the support point 246b6.
  • a point 246b3 is a given point in an area w30 in which the point 246b3 and the support point 246b5 are on the same segment divided by the adjacent slits with respect to the longitudinal direction of the sheet member 246b.
  • Point 246b4 is a given point in an area w30 in which the point 246b4 and the point 246b6 are not on the same segment divided by the adjacent slits with respect to the longitudinal direction of the sheet member 246b.
  • the slits are inclined in such directions that they are toward the longitudinally central portion of the sheet member 246b as the distance from the rotational center increases. Therefore, when the same force is applied to the point 246b3 and the point 246b4, the point 246b4 which is farther from the support point deforms (flexes) more. As a result, the sheet 246b of the second feeding member 246 is capable of feeding the toner toward the longitudinally central portion (toward the third opening 249). In addition, by the structure of moving the second feeding member 246 upwardly, the amount of the toner which cannot be discharged and remains in the toner cartridge E can be reduced.
  • the neighborhood of the third opening 249 with respect to the longitudinal direction of the sheet 246b is not provided with the slit in the range longer than the third opening 249 in the longitudinal direction. More particularly, as shown in part (a) of Figure 45 , a width w7 of the sheet 246b in the neighborhood of the third opening 249 measured in the longitudinal direction is larger than a width w8 of the third opening 249 measured in the longitudinal direction. By this, the sheet 246b is prevented from entering toward the second opening 230 from the third opening 249 (part (b) of Figure 45 ).
  • an angle ⁇ 2 (part (a) of Figure 45 ) of the slits or slit of the sheet 246b is 70 degrees relative to the longitudinal direction of the sheet 246b.
  • the configuration of the sheet 246b is not limited to that of the above-described example, and it will suffice if the toner can be stably supply the from the toner cartridge E into the developing unit D.
  • the toner can be stably discharged into the developing unit D even if the opening through which the toner is discharged is narrow. Since the width of the third opening 249 measured along the longitudinal direction is enough to cover the central portion, the size of the first seal member 232 can be reduced. As a result, the amount of the material of the seal can be reduced to save cost. By reducing the third opening 249, the toner leakage in the toner cartridge E mounting and dismounting operation can be reduced.
  • the container 247 is substantially cylindrical, the diameter (inner diameter and outer diameter) of the container 247 is different depending on the position, as will be understood from part (a) of Figure 45 , in which w5>w6. More particularly, the diameter in the longitudinal end portion of the container 247 is larger than the diameter in the central portion of the container 247 (that is, the neighborhood of the third opening 249). The diameter of the center portion of the container 247 is made smaller to provide a space for the second shutter 253, correspondingly. On the other hand, in the end portion side of the container 247 is large to provide a large volume for accommodating of the toner.
  • the diameter of the second feeding member 246 (sheet 246b) is different depending on the position. As described hereinbefore, the diameter of the second feeding portion 246 in the axial direction the portion is larger than the diameter in the central portion of the second feeding member 246 (neighborhood of third opening 249).
  • Figure 46 illustrates the neighborhood of the projection 245 of the container 247 when the second shutter 253 of the toner cartridge E is closed
  • part (a) of Figure 46 is a sectional view as seen from the non-driving side
  • part (b) of Figure 46 is an enlarged sectional view of the neighborhood of the projection 245 of the container 247.
  • Figure 47 illustrates a state of the snap fit portion 271 of the second shutter 253 at the time when the second shutter 253 of the toner cartridge E is closed.
  • Part (a) of Figure 47 is an enlarged view illustrating a relationship between the snap fit portion 271 of the second shutter 253 and the shutter holding portion 263 with respect to the longitudinal direction.
  • Part (b) of Figure 47 is a sectional view as seen from the non-driving side showing a positional relationship between the snap fit portion 271 of the second shutter 253 and the shutter holding portion 263 with respect to the rotational direction of the toner cartridge E.
  • Part (c) of Figure 47 is an enlarged view illustrating a projection 71b of the snap fit portion 271 of the second shutter 253 and the locking hole of the shutter holding portion 263.
  • Figure 48 illustrates the process of closing of the second shutter 253 of the toner cartridge E.
  • Part (a) of Figure 48 shows a neighborhood output of the snap fit portion 271 in the state in which the second shutter 253 of the toner cartridge E is opened.
  • Part (b) of Figure 48 illustrates a neighborhood of the snap fit portion 271 in the state in which the second shutter 253 of the toner cartridge E is closed.
  • Part (c) of Figure 48 is a sectional view as seen from the non-driving side in the state shown in part (a) of Figure 48
  • part (d) of Figure 48 is a sectional view as seen from the non-driving side in the state shown in part (b) of Figure 48 .
  • the closing operations of the first shutter 37 and the second shutter 253 are the opposite to those of the opening operations.
  • the closing direction of the first shutter 237 and the second shutter 253 is the opposite to that in the driving of the second feeding member 246 (arrow h direction in part (a) of Figure 46 , part (b) of Figure 47 , part (c) of Figure 48 and part (d) of Figure 48 ).
  • the user grips the grip member 244 and rotates the container 247 in the closing direction (arrow h direction).
  • the surface 245b of the projection 245 of the container 247 abuts to the surface 237a2 of the hole portion 237a of the first shutter 237.
  • the first shutter 237 receive a force F18 from the surface 237a2 to rotate in interrelation with the container 247 to close the second opening 230.
  • the claw portion 271a of the snap fit portion 271 is downstream (arrow e in Figure 47 ) of the shutter holding portion 263 of the developing unit D with respect to the direction of opening the third opening 249 of the toner cartridge E.
  • the projection 271b of the second shutter 253 is engaged with the locking hole 63a of the shutter holding portion 263 (part (c) of Figure 47 ). Therefore, the second shutter 253 is limited by the locking holding portion 262 in the container 247 closing direction (arrow h direction). With the rotation of the toner cartridge E in the arrow h direction, the second shutter 253 moves relative to the container 247. By this, the second shutter 253 closes the third opening 249 ( Figure 38 (from part (c) of Figure 48 to part (d) of Figure 48 )).
  • the claw portion 271a projects at least in the radially outward direction (outward with respect to rotation radius direction) of the second shutter 253.
  • the claw portion 271a is the engaging portion (closing force receiving portion) for receiving the force for moving the second shutter 253 from the shutter holding portion 263 to the closing position.
  • the movement of the second shutter 253 is limited when the container 247 rotates by the force received from the shutter holding portion 263 by the claw portion 271a. In other words, by the force received by the claw portion 271a, the second shutter 253 rotates relative to the container 247 from the opening position to the closing position.
  • the projection 271b projects at least toward an upstream side in the direction of arrow e (rotational moving direction of the second shutter 253 relative to the container 247 from the opening position to the closing position). By this, the projection 271b can be kept in engagement with the locking hole 263a when the second shutter 253 rotates from the opening position to the closing position. By the projection 271b engaging with the locking hole 263a, the engagement state (contact state) between the claw portion 271a and the shutter holding portion 263 is kept.
  • the projection 271b is an engaging portion (second engaging portion) engageable with the locking hole 263a, and an engagement maintaining portion for maintaining the engagement state between the claw portion 271a and the shutter holding portion 263.
  • the projection 271b is smaller than the claw portion 271a. More particularly, a height of the projection 271b (measured along the direction in which the projection 271b projects) is smaller than a height of the claw portion 271a (measured along the direction in which the claw portion 271a projects). In this embodiment, the height of the claw portion 271a is 5.6 mm, and the height of the projection 271b is 0.3 mm.
  • the height of the projection 271b is preferably not less than 0.1 mm and not more than 0.5 mm.
  • the first regulated surface 271d or the second regulated surface 271e of the second shutter 253 contacts a corner portion 247h and the first regulation surface 247d of the container 247 until the third opening 249 is closed.
  • the first regulation surface 247d is the engaging position holding portion for holding the claw portion 271a and the projection 271b in the engaging positions.
  • the third regulated surface 271f of the snap fit portion 271 abuts to the second regulation surface 247e.
  • the third regulated surface 271f of the snap fit portion 271 receives a longitudinally outward force F17 from the second regulation surface 247e of the container 247.
  • the second regulated surface 271e is out of contact from the first regulation surface 247d of the container 247.
  • the claw portion 271a and the projection 271b of the snap fit portion 271 is disengaged in the longitudinally outwardly direction relative to the shutter holding portion 263 by the force F17 (arrow r6 in part (b) of Figure 48 ).
  • the second regulation surface 247e is a moving portion (retracted position moving portion) for moving the claw portion 271a and the projection 271b in the longitudinally outwardly direction (axially outward direction).
  • the second regulation surface 247e urges the third regulated surface 271f.
  • the claw portion 271a is moved to the retracted position in which the engagement with the shutter holding portion 263 is released.
  • the projection 271b is moved to the retracted position for releasing from the locking hole 263a.
  • the second regulation surface 247e as the guide portion for guiding the engaging portion (claw portion 271a, projection 271b) from the engaging position to the retracted position, and is the urging portion (pressing portion) for urging or pressing the claw portion 271a and the projection 271b toward the retracted position through the third regulated surface 271f.
  • the second regulation surface 247b urges the engaging portion by contacting the arm portion 271c supporting the engaging portion (claw portion 271a, projection 271b) to the third regulated surface 271f. However, the second regulation surface 247b may contact directory to the engaging portion (claw portion 271a, projection 271b).
  • the engaging portion (claw portion 271a, projection 271b) is moved by the second regulation surface 247b axially outwardly by not less than 1.3 mm. That is, the movement distance (movement distance) at the time when the engaging portion moves to the retracted position by the second regulation surface 247b is not less than 1.3 mm as measured along the axial direction. By this, the projection 271b is assuredly disengaged from the locking hole 263a.
  • the second regulation surface 247e is retracted position holding portion for holding the engaging portion in the retracted position.
  • the second regulation surface 247e limits the movement of the engaging portion (271a, projection 271b) to the engaging position.
  • the claw portion 271a and the projection 271b may be movable to the retracted position by the elastic force of the snap fit portion 271 (arm portion 271c).
  • the snap fit portion 271 may plastically deforms. In such a case, the elastic force of the snap fit portion 271 is so small that the claw portion 271a and the projection 271b cannot be moved to the retracted position.
  • the retracted position moving portion (second regulation surface 247e) for moving the claw portion 271a and the projection 271b to the retracted position by acting on the snap fit portion 271, so that the claw portion 271a and the projection 271b are assuredly moved to the retracted position.
  • the retracted position moving portion (second regulation surface 247e) may be omitted if the elastic force of the arm portion 271c (supporting portion, connecting portion) supporting the claw portion 271a and/or the projection 271b can be assured.
  • the arm portion 271c does not easily deform plastically and can maintain the elastic force. Therefore, without the retracted position moving portion (second regulation surface 247e), the claw portion 271a and the projection 271b can be moved to the retracted position.
  • an additional elastic member may be provided without providing the supporting portion (arm portion 271c) itself with an elasticity.
  • a supporting portion (arm portion) is rotatably mounted on the main body portion 253m of the shutter using a shaft. Then, it would be considered that a twist spring (elastic member, elastic portion seven is provided on the shaft to urge the supporting portion to the retracted position. Without deformation of the supporting portion per se, the engaging portion (claw portion 271a, projection 271b) is movable by rotation of the supporting portion. In addition, the engaging portion is movable from the engaging position to the retracted position by the elastic force of the twist spring.
  • the shutters of them can be assuredly opened and closed.
  • the claw portion 271a and the projection 271b are moved relative to the main body portion 253m of the shutter in the longitudinal direction of the container frame 247 g (rotational axis direction, center axis direction).
  • the claw portion 271a and the projection 271b are movable between the engaging positions and the retracted positions.
  • this does not mean that the claw portion 271a and the projection 271b move only in the longitudinal direction of the container frame. That is, the moving directions of the claw portion 271a and the projection 271b are not limited to the parallel directions with the longitudinal direction.
  • the claw portion 271a and the projection 271b move in the circumferential direction as well relative to the main body portion of the shutter, when they move to between the retracted position and the engaging position. More particularly, the claw portion 271a and the projection 271b move toward the trailing end of the second shutter 253 when they move from the retracted position to the engaging position.
  • the engaging position moving portion (first regulation surface 247d) for moving the engaging portion (claw portion 271a and projection 271b) of the second shutter 253 to the engaging position is a surface formed by the projection (projection) of the container 274.
  • the retracted position moving portion (second regulation surface 247e) for moving the engaging portion (claw portion 271a and projection 271b) to the retracted position is a projection (projection) of the container 274.
  • the engaging position moving portion (first regulation surface 247d) and/or the retracted position moving portion (second regulation surface 247e) may be a recess (groove) provided on the container 274.
  • the snap fit portion 271 is provided in the groove (recess) formed on the container 247, and the engaging portion (claw portion 271a and/or projection 271b) is moved to the retracted position and/or the engaging position along the groove.
  • the structure for improving the reliability of opening and closing of the shutter provided on the developing unit D is employed.
  • the side of the toner cartridge E provided with a second drive transmitting portion 348 is called driving side, and in the other side is called non-driving side.
  • An insertion-guided portion provided on the driving side is called insertion-guided portion (drive) 343.
  • An insertion-guided portion provided on the non-driving side is called insertion-guided portion (non) 342.
  • an insertion-guiding portion provided on the driving side is called insertion-guiding portion (drive) 336d.
  • An insertion-guiding portion provided on the non-driving side is called insertion-guiding portion (non) 335d.
  • Figure 49 is a perspective view before the toner cartridge E is mounted to the developing unit D in this embodiment.
  • Figure 50 is a sectional view of a neighborhood of the second opening 330 of the developing unit D.
  • Part (a) of Figure 50 is a sectional view as seen from a driving side
  • part (b) of Figure 50 is a sectional view as seen from a non-driving side.
  • a longitudinal direction of the developing unit D is a direction parallel with an axial direction of a developing roller 324 of the developing unit D.
  • Figure 51 is a perspective view of the toner cartridge E
  • parts (a) of Figure 51 is a perspective view as seen from the second drive transmitting portion 348
  • part (b) of Figure 51 is a perspective view as seen from the opposite side.
  • an inserting direction f of the toner cartridge E into the developing unit D is a linear direction along the insertion-guiding portion (drive) 336d and the insertion-guiding portion (non) 335d, in this embodiment.
  • the inserting direction f in this embodiment is substantially the same in direction (J direction in Figure 51 ) on which the projection 345 provided on the container 347 of the toner cartridge E projects from the container 347 as seen in the direction of a section. This is because projection 345 of the container 347 is required to engage with a hole portion 337a of a first shutter 337 when the toner cartridge E is inserted into the developing unit D to a predetermined mounting position.
  • the insertion-guided portion (non) 342 is provided with an abutting portion 342a which abuts to the abutted portion 335a (part (b) of Figure 50 ) of the developing unit D in the insertion of the toner cartridge E.
  • the insertion-guided portion (non) 342 includes a rotation-guided portion 342b for guiding a container frame 347a when the first shutter 337 ( Figure 49 ) and the second shutter 353 (part (a) of Figure 51 ) are opened and closed.
  • the insertion-guided portion (non) 342 includes regulated portions (to be regulated) (regulated surfaces) 342c1, 342c2 for regulating the insertion attitude and the moving direction of the toner cartridge E in the inserting operation.
  • the insertion-guided portion (drive) 343 is provided at the end portion of the second drive transmitting portion 348 with respect to the longitudinal direction of the toner cartridge E, but it may be provided on the container 347. Furthermore, the insertion-guided portion (drive) 343 is provided with an abutting portion 343a which abuts to an abutted portion 336a of the developing unit D in the insertion of the toner cartridge E. The insertion-guided portion (drive) 343 also functions as the rotation-guided portion for guiding the rotation of the container frame 347a when the abutting portion 343a opens and closes the first shutter 337 and the second shutter 353.
  • the abutting portion 342a, a rotation-guided portion 342b, a regulating portion 342c1 and the regulating portion 342c2 is integral with the insertion-guided portion (non) 342b.
  • they may be separate members if the functions of them are performed.
  • Figure 52 is a longitudinal sectional view of a neighborhood of the insertion-guided portion (drive) 343 and the insertion-guiding portion (drive) 336d in this embodiment.
  • Figure 53 is a sectional view illustrating configurations of the insertion-guided portion (drive) 343 and the insertion-guiding portion (drive) 336d of another type.
  • the configuration of the insertion-guided portion (drive) 343 is cylindrical.
  • the insertion-guided portion (drive) 343 has a diameter of D1.
  • a width of the insertion-guiding portion (drive) 336d (measured in a direction crossing with the inserting direction f of the toner cartridge E) is as follows. In partway of insertion of the toner cartridge E into the developing unit D, the width of the insertion-guiding portion (drive) is w9, and after completion of the mounting of the toner cartridge E, the width of the insertion-guiding portion (drive) is w10.
  • the insertion-guided portion (drive) seven functions to guide the insertion of the toner cartridge E into the developing unit D.
  • the insertion-guided portion (drive) 343 is integral with the second drive transmitting portion 348, and when the drive transmission is carried out after the completion of the insertion of the toner cartridge E, the insertion-guiding portion (drive) 343 rotates integrally with the second drive transmitting portion 348. Therefore, it is necessary that the insertion-guided portion (drive) 343 functions as the insertion guide in the inserting process of the toner cartridge E in cooperation with the insertion-guiding portion (drive), and is rotatable when the driving force is transmitted to the second drive transmitting portion 348 after the completion of the insertion.
  • the configuration of the insertion-guided portion (drive) 343 is cylindrical, but this is not limiting, and the configuration shown in Figure 53 is usable.
  • the configuration of the insertion-guided portion (drive) 343 shown in Figure 53 is such that the dimension of the toner cartridge E in the inserting direction f (direction in which the projection 345 projects from the container 347, Figure 50 ) is smaller than that in the widthwise direction of the insertion-guiding portion (drive) 336d.
  • a width of the insertion-guided portion (drive) 343 in the inserting direction f is w12
  • a width of the insertion-guided portion (drive) 343 in the widthwise direction of the insertion-guided portion (drive) 336d is w13, and then w12 ⁇ w13 is satisfied.
  • the insertion-guided portion (drive) 343 functions as the insertion guide in the insertion process of the toner cartridge E in cooperation with the insertion-guiding portion (drive) 336d, and is rotatable when the driving force is transmitted to the second drive transmitting portion 348 after the completion of the insertion.
  • Figure 54 is a longitudinal sectional view illustrating the neighborhood of the insertion-guided portion (non) 342 and the insertion-guiding portion (non) 335d in this embodiment.
  • the insertion-guided portion (non) 342 has a long side in the mounting direction f.
  • a length of the long side of the insertion-guided portion (non) 342 in the mounting direction f is w16
  • a width of the insertion-guided portion (non) 342 in the widthwise direction of the insertion-guiding portion (non) 335d is w17, and then w16>w17 is satisfied.
  • a width of the insertion guide (non) 335d in partway of the insertion of the toner cartridge E into the developing unit D is w14, and then w17 ⁇ w14 is satisfied.
  • a width of the rotation guide portion (non) 335b for guiding the rotation of the toner cartridge E when the first shutter 337 ( Figure 49 ) and the second shutter 353 ( Figure 51 ) are opened and closed is w15, and then w16 ⁇ w15 is satisfied.
  • the regulated portions (regulated surfaces) 342c1, 342c2 which are long side portions of the insertion-guided portion (non) 342 extending in the mounting direction f regulate the insertion attitude and the moving direction of the toner cartridge E along the width of the insertion guide (non) 335d.
  • the mounting operation of the toner cartridge E can be carried out.
  • a projection (portion-to-be-guided) provided at the end portion of the toner cartridge E will be described in detail.
  • a projection (releasing projection) projecting codirectionally with the mounting direction from a peripheral surface of the toner cartridge E will be described as well.
  • Figure 55 illustrates the relationship between the insertion-guided portion (drive) 343 and the insertion-guided portion (non) 342 will be described.
  • Figure 55 illustrates the state in which the positions of the toner cartridge E and the developing unit D in the longitudinal direction are correct.
  • a projecting length of the insertion-guided portion (drive) 343 measured in the longitudinal direction of the toner cartridge from a driving side end surface of the second drive transmitting portion 348 is w18 (length w18 of insertion-guided portion (drive) 343).
  • a depth of the insertion-guiding portion (drive) 336d measured in the longitudinal direction of the toner cartridge is w19 (depth w19 insertion-guiding portion (drive) 336d).
  • a projecting length of the insertion-guided portion (non) 342 measured in the longitudinal direction of the toner cartridge from the non-driving side end portion of the container 347 is w20 (length w20) of insertion-guided portion (non) 342.
  • a depth of the insertion-guiding portion (drive) 336d measured in the longitudinal direction of the toner cartridge is w21 (depth w21) of insertion-guiding portion (non) 335d).
  • the length w18 of the insertion-guided portion (drive) 343 is such that the insertion-guided portion) 343 can fit the insertion-guiding portion (drive) 336d having the depth w19 within the range of the tolerances. More particularly, the length w18 of the insertion-guided portion (drive) 343 is slightly smaller than the depth w19 of the insertion-guiding portion (drive) 336d.
  • the length w20 of the insertion-guided portion (non) 342 is such that the insertion-guided portion) 342 can fit the insertion-guiding portion (non) 335d having the depth w21 within the range of the tolerances.
  • the length w20 of the insertion-guided portion (non) 342 is slightly smaller than the depth w21 of the insertion-guiding portion (non) 335d.
  • the length w18 of the insertion-guided portion (drive) 343 and the length w20 of the insertion-guided portion (non) 342 are different from each other.
  • depth w19 of the insertion-guiding portion (drive) 336d and the depth w21 of the insertion-guiding portion (non) 335d are made different from each other. This is in order to prevent the user from mounting the toner cartridge E to the developing unit D with wrong orientation of the driving side and the non-driving side, when the user mounts the toner cartridge E to the.
  • the length w18 of the insertion-guided portion (drive) 343 is larger than the length w20 of the insertion-guided portion (non) 342.
  • the depth w19 of the insertion-guiding portion (drive) 336d is larger than the depth w21 of the insertion-guiding portion (non) 335d.
  • the configurations and the mutual relationships of the insertion-guided portion (drive) 343, the insertion-guiding portion (drive) 336d, the insertion-guided portion (non) 342 and the insertion-guiding portion (non) 335d are adjusted.
  • the mounting property of the toner cartridge E into the developing unit D can be improved.
  • Embodiment 4 the structures of the second shutter 253 and so on of Embodiment 4 are partly changed in the toner cartridge E.
  • the same reference numerals as in Embodiment 4 are assigned to the elements having the corresponding functions in this embodiment, and the detailed description thereof is omitted for simplicity.
  • the description may be omitted for the parts similar to those of the foregoing embodiments, by using the same part terms.
  • Parts (a), (b) and (c) of Figure 56 illustrate the state in which the second shutter is in the closing position.
  • At (a), (b) and (c) of Figure 57 illustrates the state in which the second shutter is in the opening position.
  • a third opening 249 can be opened and closed by moving a second shutter 553 relative to the container 547.
  • a snap fit portion (supporting portion, connecting portion, and elastic portion) 571 is connected with the main body portion 553m of the shutter.
  • the snap fit portion 571 is provided at a free end with a claw portion (first engaging portion, first projection) 571a, and the claw portion 571a is provided with a projection (second engaging portion, second projection) 571b.
  • the claw portion 571a and the projection 571b constitute an engaging portion for engagement with the receiving device (developing unit D).
  • the engaging portion (claw portion 571a and projection 571b) is held in the retracted position by the contact between the regulation surface 571j (retracted position holding portion) and the snap fit portion 571.
  • the snap fit portion 571 departs from the regulation surface 547e to restore (spontaneous state).
  • the engaging portion (claw portion 571a and projection 571b) moves to the engaging position. That is, by the elastic force of the snap fit portion 571, the engaging portion moves inwardly with respect to the axial direction.
  • the claw portion 571a engages with the shutter holding portion 263, and the projection 571b is engaged with a locking hole 263a.
  • the engaging position moving portion for moving the engaging portion to the engaging position and/or the engaging position holding portion for holding the engaging portion in the engaging position may be provided on the container 547 (first regulation surface 247d of Embodiment 4).
  • the supporting portion (arm portion of snap fit portion 571) supporting the engaging portion has an elastic portion. That is, the engaging portion (claw portion 571a, projection 571b) is moved by the elastic force of the supporting portion (snap fit portion 571) per se. However, it is not inevitable that the supporting portion per se has the elastic portion.
  • a supporting portion for supporting the engaging portion (claw portion 571a, projection 571b) is rotatably mounted on the main body portion 553m of the shutter.
  • a twist spring elastic member, elastic portion
  • the supporting portion is urged to the engaging position.
  • the supporting portion is slidable relative to the main body portion 553 of the shutter, and the supporting portion is urged to the engaging position by a coil spring (elastic member).
  • a coil spring elastic member
  • the structures of the second shutter 253 and so on of Embodiment 4 are partly changed in the toner cartridge E.
  • the supporting portion (arm portion 271c) per se supporting the engaging portion (claw portion 271a, projection 271b or the like) of the second shutter is the elastic portion.
  • a separate elastic member (elastic portion) is provided in addition to the supporting portion (supporting portion). The supporting portion is supported movably.
  • the structures of the parts other than the toner cartridge E are similar to those of Embodiment 4, and therefore, the description is omitted. As regards another structure of the toner cartridge E, the description may be omitted for the parts similar to those of the foregoing embodiments, by using the same part terms. In the drawings, a part of the shape or elements is omitted for simplicity of explanation. The dimensions, the materials, the configurations, the relative positions of the elements in this embodiment may be properly modified depending on the structure and/or various conditions of the apparatus.
  • Parts (a), (b) and (c) of Figure 58 is an illustration of a second shutter in this embodiment.
  • Figure 59 is an illustration of an engaging portion (engageable member) provided on the second shutter.
  • Parts (a) and (b) of Figure 60 and parts (a) and (b) of Figure 61 illustrates the state in which the second shutter is in a closing position.
  • Parts (a) and (b) of Figure 62 and parts (a) and (b) of Figure 63 illustrate the state in which the second shutter is in an opening position.
  • a third opening 249 can be opened and closed by moving the second shutter (open/close member) 653 relative to the container 647.
  • a second shutter 653 comprises a main body portion (closing portion) 653m, the engageable member the (supporting portion, supporting member) 671, an arm portion 672, coil spring 675 and so on.
  • the arm portion 672 extends up from a lower end side of the main body portion 653m of the shutter toward the free end side, and the free end side of the arm portion 672 is provided with an engageable member 671 and a coil spring (pressing spring) 675 mounted thereto.
  • the engageable member 671 includes a claw portion (first engaging portion) 671a, a projection (second engaging portion) 671b.
  • the claw portion 671a and the projection 671b constitutes an engaging portion (open/close member side engaging portion) provided on the second shutter 653, and have the configuration to those of the claw portion 271a and the projection 271b in Embodiment 4.
  • the claw portion 671a projects at least radially outwardly with respect to the radius of rotation of the second shutter 653.
  • the projection 671b projects at least to a downstream side with respect to a moving direction of the second shutter 653 from the closing position to the opening position.
  • the portions of the engageable member 671 except for the engaging portion are supporting portion supporting the engaging portion.
  • the engageable member 671 functions also as a movable member (slidable member) slidable relative to the main body portion 653m of the shutter.
  • the coil spring (elastic member, elastic portion) 675 is an urging portion for urging the engageable member 671.
  • the coil spring 675 is mounted on a boss 671h provided on the engageable member 671 and press is a surface (portion-to-be-urged) 671e of the engageable member 671 to urge the engageable member 671 in a predetermined direction.
  • the engageable member 671 (claw portion 671a, projection 671b) is urged axially inwardly by the coil spring (elastic member, elastic portion) 675.
  • the engaging portion (claw portion 671a, 671b) is urged toward the engaging position by the coil spring 675.
  • the urging portion may be an elastic member (elastic portion) other than a coil spring.
  • a leaf spring is usable.
  • the urging portion is a compression spring, but may be tension spring with different arrangement of the urging portion relative to the engageable member 671. That is, using a tension force of a coil spring applied to the engageable member 671, the engaging portion can be urged to the engaging position.
  • the claw portion 671a When the second shutter 653 is in the closing position, the claw portion 671a does not engage with the shutter holding portion, and the projection 671b is not engaged with a locking hole, either.
  • the regulation surface 647j and the regulation surface 647e depart from the engageable member 671 (regulated surfaces 671f, 671k). Then, the engageable member 671 (claw portion 671a, projection 671b) is moved axially inwardly to the engaging position by the force of the coil spring 675. That is, the claw portion 671a is in the position engageable with the shutter holding portion 263, and the projection 671b is in the position engageable with the locking hole 263a.
  • Coil spring 675 is an engaging position moving portion provided on the second shutter 653 for moving the claw portion 671a and the projection 671b to the engaging position.
  • the regulation surface 647e provided on the container contacts to the regulated surface 671f provided on the engageable member 671 (claw portion 671a).
  • the regulation surface 647e is a surface (inclined portion) inclined relative to the moving direction (rotational moving direction) of the second shutter 653. Therefore, the engageable member 671 contacts with the regulation surface 647e to move axially outwardly on the regulation surface 647e. In other words, the engageable member 671 (claw portion 671a, projection 671b) moves toward the retracted position against the elastic force of the coil spring 675, by the force received from the regulation surface 647e.
  • the regulation surface 647e is the retracted position moving portion for moving the engaging portion (claw portion 671a, projection 671b) provided on the second shutter 653 toward the retracted position.
  • the regulation surface 647e is the surface provided by a protrusion (projection) provided on the container 647.
  • the container 647 may be provided with a recess (groove, for example), by means of which the regulation surface 647e is provided.
  • the engaging portion is moved toward the engaging position by the elastic portion (coil spring, elastic member) provided on the second shutter 653, and the engaging portion is moved to the retracted position by the regulation surface (retracted position moving portion) provided on the container.
  • the engaging portion is moved to the retracted position by an elastic member (coil spring or the like) provided on the second shutter 653, and the engaging portion is moved to the engaging position by a regulation surface (engaging position moving portion) provided on the container. That is, the elastic member (coil spring or the like) of this embodiment may be applied to above-described Embodiment 6.
  • a toner cartridge detachably mountable to an image forming apparatus is provided.

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  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Dry Development In Electrophotography (AREA)
  • Electrophotography Configuration And Component (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Computer Vision & Pattern Recognition (AREA)
EP19164338.6A 2014-08-01 2015-07-31 Toner cartridge, toner supplying mechanism and shutter Active EP3537223B1 (en)

Priority Applications (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP23200453.1A EP4290313A3 (en) 2014-08-01 2015-07-31 Toner cartridge, toner supplying mechanism and shutter
EP22152641.1A EP4020090B1 (en) 2014-08-01 2015-07-31 Toner cartridge, toner supplying mechanism and shutter

Applications Claiming Priority (5)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
JP2014158119 2014-08-01
JP2014158120 2014-08-01
JP2015032063 2015-02-20
EP15826664.3A EP3176642B1 (en) 2014-08-01 2015-07-31 Toner cartridge, toner supply mechanism, and shutter
PCT/JP2015/072438 WO2016017828A1 (ja) 2014-08-01 2015-07-31 トナーカートリッジ、トナー供給機構、シャッタ

Related Parent Applications (2)

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EP15826664.3A Division EP3176642B1 (en) 2014-08-01 2015-07-31 Toner cartridge, toner supply mechanism, and shutter
EP15826664.3A Division-Into EP3176642B1 (en) 2014-08-01 2015-07-31 Toner cartridge, toner supply mechanism, and shutter

Related Child Applications (2)

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EP22152641.1A Division EP4020090B1 (en) 2014-08-01 2015-07-31 Toner cartridge, toner supplying mechanism and shutter
EP23200453.1A Division EP4290313A3 (en) 2014-08-01 2015-07-31 Toner cartridge, toner supplying mechanism and shutter

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP3537223A1 EP3537223A1 (en) 2019-09-11
EP3537223B1 true EP3537223B1 (en) 2022-02-23

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EP15826664.3A Active EP3176642B1 (en) 2014-08-01 2015-07-31 Toner cartridge, toner supply mechanism, and shutter
EP23200453.1A Pending EP4290313A3 (en) 2014-08-01 2015-07-31 Toner cartridge, toner supplying mechanism and shutter
EP19164338.6A Active EP3537223B1 (en) 2014-08-01 2015-07-31 Toner cartridge, toner supplying mechanism and shutter
EP22152641.1A Active EP4020090B1 (en) 2014-08-01 2015-07-31 Toner cartridge, toner supplying mechanism and shutter

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EP (4) EP3176642B1 (es)
JP (8) JP6548503B2 (es)
KR (5) KR102661370B1 (es)
CN (6) CN112631096B (es)
AU (4) AU2015297380B2 (es)
BR (1) BR112017001779B1 (es)
CA (2) CA3006118C (es)
CL (3) CL2017000228A1 (es)
CO (1) CO2017001950A2 (es)
ES (2) ES2907765T3 (es)
GB (1) GB2558320A (es)
MA (1) MA54115A (es)
MX (6) MX2017001413A (es)
MY (1) MY189688A (es)
PH (5) PH12017500183A1 (es)
PL (1) PL4020090T3 (es)
RU (4) RU2670567C2 (es)
SG (2) SG10201900974YA (es)
TW (4) TWI703417B (es)
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ZA (1) ZA201700457B (es)

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